Think Big

"And on the day that the Tabernacle was erected..." (Num. 9:15) Rabbi Hiya opened: "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honor." (Psalms 112:9) "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor." What is the meaning of, "distributed freely"? It is as you say, "there is one who gives freely and yet increases." (Prov. 11:24) We may also say that it is true for everyone who distributed freely. Therefore, he lets us know and hear, "he has distributed freely; he has given to the poor." As soon as he gives freely to the poor, he becomes worthy. What is the meaning of "and yet increases"? It means in everything. He increases in wealth and increases in life.

This verse should have been read this way, 'There is one who gives freely, and yet it will increase'. What is meant by "increases"? It is this place [malchut] where death resides [for externalities, the level of death, attach to malchut]. It [the free giving of charity] causes him an increase in life above [from tiferet, the Tree of Life] and increases his life. Rabbi Yehuda said in the name of Rabbi Hiya: The verse gives evidence that for whoever gives [specifically] to paupers, the Tree of Life is awakened to add life to the Tree of Death [malchut]. Then life [from chochma] and happiness [from bina] exist above and that Tree of Life stands over the person who caused this, in a time of need. That Tree of Death [malchut also] shields him and, therefore, it is proper to say, "yet increases" [the flow from above to below].

What is the meaning of, "his righteousness endures for ever"? It stands by a person to give him his existence and life, in the same manner that this person gives subsistence [to others]. And the [supernal] life [tiferet, is drawn to malchut, and] awakens toward him, it gives him life. These two trees stand by him to save him and increase his life [in the World to Come].

"His horn shall be exalted with honor." Come and see: observe the world [Zeir Anpin] tells the horn [malchut] to be exalted. And how? With the honor of the above [bina's honor, as bina's illumination raises up malchut]. That person [by his righteousness and charity] caused them [Zeir Anpin and malchut] to join together and blessings to pour above and below.

Rabbi Aba said: During the whole time that the Tabernacle was erected [causing Zeir Anpin and malchut to join together] through the activities of people, then that was a time of rejoicing for all [due to the supernal unification]. Holy anointing oil [from chochma mixed with bina] is poured into these candles [the sefira of malchut] and all give off light. Whoever brings this about, brings himself to be saved in this world [from accusing forces], and he shall have life in the World to Come. This is what is written: "but righteousness delivers from death," (Prov. 11:4) and it also says, "but the path of just men is like the gleam of sunlight, that shines ever more brightly until the height of noonday." (Prov. 4:18) [The brightness of the height of noonday refers to the World to Come.]

BeRahamim LeHayyim: What does the above mean to you, and why is it being revealed to you now?

We sow righteousness whenever we give charity. The above Zohar transmits the secret of "charity/righteousness saves from death". We contemplate this on Rosh Hashanah-Yom Kippur when we focus on how charity helps to stem an evil decree. Guess what? That does not only apply to the 10 days of Teshuvah, but for the rest of the year too! We sow righteousness whenever we give charity.
But much more than this happens. By giving charity, one arouses the Tree of Life to give to the Tree of Death, and the latter protects the giver of charity. Moreover, higher consciousness is stimulated and pours into the giver's brain receptors, opening up greater supernal realities.

The simple act of giving when asked--like G-d who hears prayers and answers--creates sublime possibilities unimaginable to the earthly observer.