Concerning the treatment of those in need, the Torah tells us, “When you lend money to My people, to the poor man among you, do not press him for repayment. [Also] do not take interest from him.” (22:24)
The Midrash Rabba (31:4) says, “Come and see: the person who has wealth, who gives charity to the poor, and lends without interest, is viewed as if he has fulfilled all of the commandments; as it says in Psalms 15:5: ‘He did not give his money with interest, nor did he accept a bribe against the innocent; he who does these shall not falter forever.’”
Furthermore, the Midrash says in 31:5 that Solomon asked of G-d, “If a person asks of You to give him wealth, and You know it will be bad for him, don’t give it to him. But if You see someone who will be pleasant with the gift and will use it appropriately, then give it to him.”
The people of Israel asked of G-d, “Who are Your nation?” G-d answered, “The poor.” As it says in Isaiah 49:13, “Sing, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, and mountains burst out in song, for the Lord has consoled His people, and He shall have mercy on His poor.”
The difference between human nature and G-d-like nature is that a wealthy individual with poor relatives might not care to be supportive or to acknowledge familial ties (this is not a blanket statement, but is sometimes true), as Proverbs 19:7 says, “All the kinsmen of a poor man hate him…”
G-d’s attitude towards wealth
G-d’s attitude towards wealth, on the other hand, is “And wealth and honor are from before You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is strength and might, and it is in Your hand to magnify and to strengthen all” (Divrei Hayamim I:29:12); while his attitude towards the poor is expressed in Isaiah 14:32: “Now what shall the messenger of a nation announce? That the Lord has founded Zion, and therein shall the poor of His people shelter themselves.”
In essence, the reason why the world was created such that there are “haves” and “have nots” is to give people the opportunity to do what is just and right in the eyes of G-d (based on Devarim 6:18).
Kindness and virtue are the most G-d-like qualities a person can exhibit: to be a giving person, to be a caring person, to be a loving person, with a full heart.
Charity begins at home
It should begin with family. Of the people I personally know who support destitute or needy family members, they usually begin explaining why they do it by saying, “Nebech. It’s such a sad case. Her husband died (or left her), leaving her with four children.” “Nebech, the kid has no mother, and the father himself is a nebech.” “Nebech, I feel bad for them. I’m the only family they have.”
These are admirable reasons for helping people. Others call it “Jewish guilt.”
It would be even more meaningful if the reason we help is because “I love my family” or “I care about my neighbor” or “I can do my part to help give Jewish children a Jewish education in my community.”
The Midrash says that wealth is a blessing given to those who know what to do with it, who know to use it not just to build big buildings but to help people in the areas of their lives and finances that need the most help — assuming they are trying and struggling, but sometimes even if they are not trying hard enough.
It need not come out of pity. It can come out of love, and passion for doing what is right.
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