Pirkei Avot Chapter 5
In Chaptert 5 of Pirkei Avot, the Mishna describes four distinct approaches of those who give Charity.
“There are four types of contributors to charity: One who wants to give but does not want others to give—is begrudging of others. One who wants that others should give but does not want to give—begrudges himself. One who wants that he as well as others should give, is a chassid. One who wants neither himself nor others to give, is wicked.” (5:13)
In a striking analysis, the Abrabanel sheds light on the nature and motivation of these different characters and their behavior.
Why would someone mind if another person gave charity?
The Abarbanel explains, the "Chassid" the prototypical Pirkei Avot Man, wants to make sure the needy person is helped.
To do so, he is willing to give of his own possessions, and finally he does not care about the honor that comes along with the act of helping another. He is more than happy to share the limelight and get others involved, as long as the job gets done.
The middle categories are people that have watched and learned from this behavior, but are not ready to relinquish both natural human tendencies.
While one is ready to contribute, the resulting honor is still important to him, he therefore does not encourage others to participate.
The other category is a person that is not caught up in the status and fame that comes along with doing kindness, but still has a difficult time, divesting himself of his own physical possessions.
Lastly of course, there is the person who still struggles with both elements, he is neither ready to contribute, or see others in the spotlight.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe draws a fascinating lesson from the Mishna's inclusion of these last two individuals.
Here you have people who do not contribute at all to charity, and yet the Mishna still refers to them, and groups them, as "Givers of Charity."
Why is this so?
Says the Rebbe, although not every person can always have the strength and courage to do what is right, our Neshama - the Soul within us always wants to help others.
While outwardly it might not yet be exhibited, the Neshama inside, is always burning strong. That is why even one, who may not yet exhibit traits of kindness and compassion, is still a "Giver of Tzedaka."
Shabbat Shalom!
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Rabbi Eli Rosenfeld
M +351910345754
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the translation.