SEDRA : HAAZINU HERTZ CHUMASH P.896 Deuteronomy Chap. 32 verse 1

This week's Sedra is generously sponsored by Tobie Sacks.

SYNOPSIS:

Moses commenced this poetic discourse to the people by invoking the heavens and the earth as eternal witnesses of his warnings. He contrasted G-d's faithfulness and justice with the corrupt ways of His chosen nation. If Israel would but inquire of the older generation, they would be told how G-d had selected them from among the other nations and had cared for them in the wilderness as an eagle guards its young. However, in later generations, they may turn to other objects of worship. Consequently, G-d promises to repay their lack of appreciation with the denial of His favour. Both young and old will be ravaged by disease and the cruelty of the enemy. It will be only His concern that the enemy should not gloat that will prevent Israel's complete destruction. Israel should, therefore, realise that it is only through G-d's providence that they are able to fight off vastly superior armies. They should acknowledge that there is only one G-d whose might and power are complete. After completing this address, Moses was told to ascend Mount Nevo so that he would be able to see the Promised Land before his death.

HAPHTORAH HERTZ CHUMASH P. 891 Hosea 14, Micah 7, Joel 2.

This Shabbat takes its name - Shuvah - from the opening word of the haphtorah. This sets the theme for repentance, fundamental to the entire period of the days of Awe.

TELL ME RABBI ... "REPENTANCE PRAYER AND CHARITY REMOVE THE EVIL DECREE". (Machzor) LAWS OF CHARITY - TSEDAKAH

TZEDAKAH (righteousness signifying charity) is a trait of the seed of our father, Abraham: "For I have known him, that he may instruct his children . to do righteousness (tzedakah) and justice" (Genesis 18:19). "Righteousness (Tzedakah) and justice is preferable to the Lord than the sacrificial offering" (Proverbs 21:3). AZion will be redeemed in justice, and her returnees with tzedakah" (Isaiah 1:27). * It is a Biblical precept to give charity to the poor, for it is written "If there be among you a needy person, you must surely open your hand to him" (Deut 15:7-8) "you shall maintain him". (Lev:25) * One who turns his eyes away so as to avoid giving charity, transgresses the commandment "Do not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your needy brother" (Deut 15:7). * The poor of the gentiles deserve Tzedakah as do the poor of Israel. * Every person even a poor man, is required to give tzedakah according to his means, even if only a little. * How much tzedakah must one give? A tenth of one's earnings during the year (after tax). * All who show mercy, mercy will be shown to them. * The poor of one's own household take precedence over the poor of one's city; the poor of one's own city take precedence over the poor of another city; and the poor inhabitants of the Holy Land take precedence over the poor inhabitants of the Diaspora.

HERE FOLLOW SOME FURTHER POINTS CONCERNING TZEDAKAH:

* It is forbidden to turn a poor person away empty-handed, even if he is given but a small amount. If one truly has nothing to give, the poor person should at least comforted with kind words.
* Tzedakah should be given cheerfully and sympathetically. Giving in a surly manner loses one the merit of his own deed. "And your heart shall not be grieved when you give him..." (Deut 15:10)
* It is forbidden to rebuke or raise one's voice to the poor. "Woe to him who puts a poor man to shame!"
* There are eight levels of charity, each higher than the other:
The eighth and lowest level, giving grudgingly;
Seventh, giving less than one should, but cheerfully;
Sixth, giving directly to the poor upon being asked;
Fifth, giving directly to the poor without being asked;
Fourth, giving directly where the recipient knows who the giver is, but the giver does not know the identity of the recipient;
Third, the giver knows the identity of the recipient, but the recipient does not know the identity of the giver;
Second, the giver is unaware of the recipient, who in turn is unaware of the giver. eg. contributing to a charity fund.
The highest form of charity is to sustain a person before he becomes impoverished, by offering a substantial gift in a dignified manner, by extending a suitable loan, by helping him find employment or establish himself in some business so as to make it unnecessary for him to become dependent upon others.
* To enable a scholar to work while secure in his livelihood merits inheritance of the world to come.
* To inspire others to give tzedakah is a great virtue.
* A pledge to tzedakah must be paid immediately unless it is specified to be redeemed at a particular time.
* One should strive not to become a public charge or dependent upon others.
* It is a mitzvah to lend funds even to a rich man. To offer beneficial advice and guidance is meritorious.
* He who possesses the funds of another, either as a loan, wages or as charity which is due and says: "go and come back again tomorrow," violates "You shall not oppress your neighbour" (Lev. 19:13)