A Teaching About Jewish Responses to Human Need, by Rabbi David Rosenn
Psalms 41:2
| Translation |
Original |
| Happy is the one who considers the poor. [JPS] |
אשרי משכיל אל–דל ביום רעה ימלטהו ה':
|
Suggested Discussion Questions
What are the implications of this verse? Is charity about the giver or the receiver?
Jerusalem Talmud, Peah 8:8
| Translation |
Original |
| Rabbi Yonah said: "Happy is the one who gives to the person in need," is not what the verse says, but rather, "Happy is the one who is 'maskil' in relation to the person in need," meaning, one must examine the mitzvah situation thoroughly in order to find the best possible way to do it. |
אמר רבי יונה אשרי נותן לדל אין כתיב כאן אלא אשרי משכיל אל דל והוא מסתכל במצוה היאך לעשותה
|
Suggested Discussion Questions
What does it mean to "examine the mitzvah situation thoroughly?" What is the value in finding the "best possible way" to do a mitzvah rather than just any way?
Midrash on Pslams 41:2
| Translation |
Original |
| B. Happy is the person who is maskil in relation to the person in need (ps. 41:2) Rabbi Yonah said: Happy is the one who is maskil and gives to the person in need. What does maskil mean in this case? That the person doing tzedakah takes an intense look and considers the best way to give the person back his or her decent and dignified life. |
אשרי משכיל אל דל. אמר ר' יונה: אשרי משכיל ונותן אל דל, מהו משכיל? שמסתכל וחושב עליו היאך להחיותו.
|
Suggested Discussion Questions
How does this understanding offer alternate insight into methods of giving tzedakah? Does this align with your understanding of giving tzedakah? Does it enhance your understanding?
Leviticus Rabbah 34:1, Margoliot 4:773
| Translation |
Original |
| C. Rabbi Yonah said: "Happy is the one who gives to the person in need"” is not what the verse says, but rather, “"Happy is the one who is maskil in relation to the person in need," meaning, Look at the situation carefully, and keep in mind how it is a privilege to do the mitzvah through that person. |
אמר ר' יונה אשרי נותן אל דל אין כת' כן, אלא אשרי משכיל אל דל, הוי מסתכל בו היאך לזכות בו
|
Suggested Discussion Questions
Does this explanation offer deeper insight into why you do mitzvot? Is this a relatable explanation?
|
