Once a child accidentally swallowed a dime.
The mother was so frantic she called out to Grandma to contact the Rescue Squad, 911, anybody.
Grandma said, “I’ll call the preacher, he can get money out of anybody!”
In times of need, I have been called on to help raise funds for worthy causes.
I was recently challenged by a quote from the medieval Rabbi Maimonides.
The quote was, “Those who are occupied with the needs of the community are occupied with the Torah” (teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures).
I was reminded of Jesus’ parable of the sheep and goats, where those who had helped their neighbors asked Jesus when had they helped feed him, give a cup a water, housed, clothed, prayed for healing or visited while in prison and Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).
Maimonides was very influential in his day and his works on the Hebrew scriptures are still studied. I understand his quote to be connected with his concept of “tzedakah” or righteousness; justice. Christians may equate this with charity, almsgiving or goodwill but, for him it is more than that.
For Maimonides, tzedakah is a moral obligation from God to help others in time of need. It is the obligation to do what is right and just when our neighbors are in need.
In his work – “The Mishneh Torah,” a 14-volume commentary on the Torah – he devoted one section to tzedakah. He lists eight levels of giving.
The first level involves helping someone in need with an interest free loan, a partnership, a grant or finding work for the person so they can escape from the need and be able to stand on their own. Often – in our community – we do this exact thing without thinking.
The second level is giving anonymously to someone who is trustworthy who can help others with your gifts. Third is to give anonymously to a known recipient.
Fourth is to give publicly to an unknown recipient. Fifth is to give before being asked which is always good. Sixth is to give generosity after being asked. Seventh is giving but being stingy.
The final level is giving unwillingly. By giving unwillingly, you are not following righteousness, but giving out of guilt. Maimonides wrote “whoever gives tzedakah to the poor with a sour expression and in a surly manner, even if he gives a thousand gold pieces, loses his merit. One should instead give cheerfully and joyfully, and emphasize with him in his sorrow.”
Paul wrote, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9: 6-7).
There are many needs in our community and organizations that work to help in time of need. Please support them as they help others.
This is more than charity; this is tzedakah.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is the pastor at Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.