Living Torah Archives

“The Alter Rebbe extols the greatness of charity given to the Holy Land. All charity hastens the Redemption, but in Israel even more so.”

Rabbi Nachman Sudak was the director of Chabad’s operations in the United Kingdom for over five decades. At one particular point of financial strain, he turned to a supporter asking for help. The amount they had to come up with seemed way beyond their reach, but with faith, perseverance, and many blessings from the Rebbe, the story finally came to a happy end. (mid 1980s)

Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch would travel extensively to advocate for his fellow Jews. He would often return to a surprise.

Generally, the requirements of the Variable Offering change according to one’s financial ability. Yet, within these laws, Maimonides brings a case of a poor person who pledges to bring the offerings of someone with more means than him. How will he afford it? Doesn’t Jewish law only obligate a person according to his means? Yet, this law emphasizes, that if he pledged to bring the offering, he will be given the means to fulfill his promise. When a Jew commits to doing something positive; if he resolves to disregard his own shortcomings and do a favor for another Jew, we are assured that G-d will help him fulfill his pledge – a lesson illustrated by a story of printing the Tzemach Tzeddek.

In a culture of “live and let live” you might convince yourself that another person’s religious commitments are none of your business. But ask yourself what you’d do if you truly cared about your fellow’s welfare. And why should someone’s spiritual needs be any less important than their physical needs.

Each year, in the days around the holiday of Shavuos, the Rebbe would deliver a special address to members of the N’shei Chabad Women’s group. Here, we present an excerpt from the Rebbe’s talk at this gathering in 1991.

Vintage footage of the Rebbe distributing coins to be given to charity on his way into the Synagogue (Sivan, 5740 - May, 1980).

Ami Pykovski recalls introducing designer Maurice Sasson to the Rebbe. Despite a successful career in the clothing business, Sasson was not seeing the returns from his work and turned to the Rebbe for help. (1990)

Rabbi Dovid Shochet recalls a most amazing story that took place following a lecture he had given to students in Buffalo, New York. During his talk, he related a story which took place with a miser who was later revealed to be the secret benefactor of his entire town. After concluding his speech, Rabbi Shochet was approached by a young priest in the audience. Little did he know the impact of the story he had told. (1960's)

“To the poor person it makes no difference where the money comes from. The main thing is that he receives it.”

When the Jewish people returned from their exile in Babylon, there was a shortage of wood for the altar in the Holy Temple.

A special collage featuring unique scenes of the Rebbe distributing charity.

Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch, the Rebbe Maharash, would travel extensively throughout Europe and the Russian Empire to advocate for his fellow Jews in Russian lands.

You should encourage everyone you encounter at the hospital to give charity. There is an opinion in the Talmud that the non-Jews are also obligated in this commandment.

Almost a year had passed since the Rebbe had assured Reb Gimpel Orimland that he’d return to 770 and be able to give many times more than his previous pledge to charity. Several weeks before his return to 770, however, the fulfillment of the Rebbe’s blessing was yet to be seen. (Late 1960s)

“By offering a special discount to anyone opening a charity account, you will provide an incentive for people to do so faster.”

We live in a time when many Jews – due to no fault of their own – are not aware of Judaism. Therefore, a campaign was launched to ensure that every Jewish home should have a charity box. In this way, even a person uneducated in Judaism who encounters this unfamiliar object will ask what it is about. This will lead him to discover the commandment of charity, which, in turn, will lead him to fulfill many more Mitzvos.

On his way to visit the resting place of his father-in-law and predecessor, the Rebbe distributes coins to children to be given for charity.

Jewish Federations play a valiant role in the collection of funds for Jewish causes worldwide. With this comes the enormous responsibility of allocating the funds appropriately.

Where is a young couple to turn when they can’t afford their Passover expenses? Mrs. Esther Mentz tells a heartwarming story of kindness and sensitivity (in the year 1957).

“Certainly you’re not upset that your son-in-law is your ‘competition’ and he gives charity in the same style as you. May you be able to outdo him!”

The Rebbe instructs that charity be given as a source of blessing in all matters

I am very happy to hear about your pledge of one million dollars to the Jewish school. May G-d bless you that next time you will pledge twice as much, and G-d will provide for you five times more.

To a CNN reporter: “Moshiach is ready to come now, we all must only do something additional in the realm of goodness and kindness.” To a child who comes to the Rebbe by Sunday dollars: “This dollar is for bringing Moshiach. Give it to charity for Moshiach to come faster.”

On Shabbos, Erev Rosh Chodesh, the Rebbe announced a new campaign for every Jewish child to have a charity box in their bedroom. The next day, the Rebbe gives out nickels to the children to put into their new charity boxes.

The Talmud explains that the verse, “He redeemed my soul in peace from battles against me, because of the many who were with me,” refers to, “One who works in Torah and charity…” A business owner isn’t satisfied with the clientele who find him; he publicizes his goods and services. His work also has no end; it is constantly on his mind. To work in Torah and charity means going beyond the realm of ‘obligation’ – developing self-motivation for personal growth, and exerting relentless effort to improve the spiritual and physical welfare of others.