Hayom Yom: Tamuz 6

(The effect of) each particular mitzva-act is called forth by (doing) those (other) mitzva-acts which are makif - general and all-encompassing in nature. The mitzva of tzedaka, for example, is one of those all-encompassing makif mitzvot, as evident from the reference to all mitzvot by the term "tzedaka." For this reason it is most appropriate to give a coin to tzedaka before performing any mitzva. This has the effect of bringing the general makif-aura into the p'nimi, the "inner aspect," (the particular mitzva). Nonetheless, this type of makif is a "close aura," whereas the makif of Torah1 is a "distant aura," whose effect is superior.