Rabbi Tanhum ben Hanilai Buys a Portion for the Poor

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Mishpatim 8:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

FROM YOUR DESTITUTE BROTHER. They said concerning Rabbi Tanhum ben Hanilai that whenever he would take home meat or vegetables, or anything at all, he would say to the members of his household: Set aside for the poor their portion, for I have taken only one litra of meat for myself, and for the poor half a litra. For he would fulfill (Ecclesiastes 7:14), "In the day of prosperity be in good, and in the day of adversity consider" — that it should come upon others. Why? Because you are not far from poverty; it is near to you, and the poor man is "with you" (Exodus 22:24).

Themes

CharityPovertyCompassionHumility

Biblical References

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