The Book of Bamidbar (numbers)

During the time the Jews were wandering in the midbar (desert), everyone could eat all they want and so no one was poor or in need.


The Midrash wonders:

How did the Jewish people fulfill the mitzvah of tzeddakah (charity)
at this time?

The midrash answers: being kind to each other was their tzedakkah.

This thought is so much more than a clever and pratical resolution to
an ancient halakhic issue.

It reminds us that we can be poor even with all the creature comforts
that we sometimes think guarantee happiness; at the same time, it
reminds and speaks to all of us in our role as "givers": there are
many ways to help friends and family that go beyond money, and
sometimes these are what are most needed.

For some, the greatest tzedakkah you can give is not cash, but
concern, mixed with emotional understanding and encouragement.

Put another way, sometimes people don't need a "hand out"; they need
our hands out, extended in love, friendship and respect.

Or rabbis describe three pillars that support the world:

* Torah (studying the Five Books of Moses as well as, more broadly alluding to the study of other religious works)

* Avodah (today this refers to serving God in prayer; in ancient times, this was typically associated with sacrifices)

* Gemilut chasadim (loving kindess)

Why do we say gemilut chasadimin the plural --as opposed to gemilat chesed?

The answer is simple yet profound: the word is plural because
it benefits both the recipient and the giver when we are kind and good
to each other.

When we give, we also receive, and -- perhaps we can suggest -- this
is even more true when what we give is a part of ourselves.