"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 increases more" (Prov. 11:24) [because more wealth is given to one who distributes charity generously]. We may also say that it is true for everyone who distributed freely [even for his own personal needs]. Therefore, the emphasis is on that which is added in the verse above, "he has distributed freely; he has given to the poor." As soon as he gives freely to the poor, he becomes worthy [of having his wealth increased]. What is the meaning of "and increases more"? It means increase in everything. He increases in wealth and increases in life.

This verse should have been written this way, 'There is one who gives freely, and yet will increase' [in the future]. What is meant by "increases"? It is this place [malchut] where death resides [for external forces, the level of death, attach to malchut]. It [the free giving of charity] causes Her an increase in life drawn down from Above [from tiferet, the Tree of Life] and this in turn increases his life. [Before the charitable person receives extra blessings of long life and wealth, they have been caused to flow to malchut, and only after does he receive the new beneficence from Her.]

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 his time of need [to come to his rescue]. That Tree of Death [malchut also] shields him [from his enemies] and, therefore, it is proper to say, "increases more" [in the future, the flow from Above to below].

What is the meaning of, "his righteousness [literally “stands by”] endures for ever"? It [malchut] stands by [i.e. oversees] a person to give him his existence and life, in the same manner that this person gave subsistence [to others]. And the [supernal] life [tiferet, is drawn to malchut, and] awakens toward him, it gives him life. These two trees [the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil, representing Zeir Anpin and Nukva] 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: that world [that we have called “horn” [malchut] will be exalted [literally “raised up”]. And how? With the honor/kavod of the above.1. That person [by his righteousness and charity] caused [a flow of consciousness from Abba to Zeir Anpin, and this in turn caused] them [Zeir Anpin and malchut] to join together and blessings to pour forth 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 day was one of rejoicing for all [the worlds due to the supernal unification]. Holy anointing oil [drawn from chochma to bina] was poured into these candles [the sefirot of Zeir Anpin and Nukva] and all give off light. Whoever brings this about [through the mitzvahs that he does] causes himself to be saved in this world [from accusing forces], and he shall have life in the World to Come. [His good deeds form a dressing of light for his soul to wear in the Garden of Eden.] 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 shining of enlightened consciousness also called the World to Come.]

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

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 Death to give to the Tree of Life, 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.

Bracketed annotations from Metok Midevash and Sulam commentaries
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