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The Mitzvah of Tzedakah

The Torah Mandates Us that one donate money to assist those who are less fortunate. This Mitzvah is derived from four Pesukim:

1. The primary verse is "rather you shall open your hand to him" (Devarim 15:8)- one should open one's hand to the less fortunate;
2. "you shall surely Give him" (ibid. v. 10)- one should give to a poor person in need;
3. "if your brother becomes impoverished in his means falter in your proximity, you shall streanthen him" (Vayikra 25:35)-you should offer support to a person in need;
4. "and let your brother live with you" (ibid. v. 36)-one who helps those in need fulfills a number of Torah commands.

The Primary Reason for tzedakah is that the Almighty wants people to accustom themself in the trait of chesed, Kindness.When a person habituates himself to be merciful and compassionate to those who are less fortunate, he becomes worthy of Hasheme's Berachos, blessings. Another reason for tzedakah is that if we show mercy to those less fortunate Hashem will have mercy on us.

The Mitzvah of Tzedakah is relative to the needs of each individual poor person and one is obligated to give him based on what he is lacking. As the Rambam writes: One who dose not have clothing to wear one should give hime clothing . One who dose not have necessary furniture or household utensils should be given those items. One who is not Married should be helped to find an appropriate mate. Further more, if one is accustomed to having servants and then becomes impoverished the Mitzvah is to rehabilitate him to his original status. In general, one should ascertain what the person needs and attempt to provide him with those needs.