True Charity

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.

One must first work in Torah and only then in charity. Charity which is not guided by Torah, is unbalanced and unpredictable, as witnessed in Nazi Germany. Only when preceded by a commitment to Torah, can charity be true and enduring.