The book of Psalms, Tehillim in Hebrew, is just overflowing with questions like these. And the Midrash, those beautiful, imaginative interpretations of scripture, well, they dive right in. Midrash Tehillim, specifically, takes the Psalms as a springboard for some pretty profound conversations.
Take Psalm 106, for example: "Who can retell the mighty feats of God?" A powerful opening! It gets you thinking about all the incredible things, big and small, that point to something greater. But then comes the follow-up: "Happy are those who act justly at all times."
Okay, so how exactly do we do that? What does it look like to be just, all the time?
That’s where Rabbi Tarfon and his students come in. Imagine this lively discussion, right? The students are eager, pressing Rabbi Tarfon for answers. "Who is it," they ask, "who performs tzedakah—charity, righteous giving—at all times?"
Rabbi Tarfon’s answer is surprising. "The one who writes books and lends them out."
Wait, what? Is he saying a writer is the ultimate charitable person?
The students, naturally, aren't so sure. They push back. "But surely someone who teaches young children or raises orphans is more worthy?" It seems obvious, right? Direct, hands-on care seems like the purest form of goodness.
But here’s the twist. They realize that even the teachers and caregivers are often supported by charity themselves. So, does that diminish their act of kindness?
The conversation takes another turn with Rabbi Elazar HaModa'i. He chimes in, adding another layer to the discussion. "It is not just about charity," he says, "but also about making a living through righteous means." That's interesting. It's not just about giving, but about how you earn your living in the first place. Are you contributing to the world in a positive way? Are you honest in your dealings?
This whole exchange really gets you thinking. It's not just about grand gestures, but about the consistent, everyday choices we make.
Think about it. Writing and lending books – isn't that a way of continually giving? Spreading knowledge, sharing stories, opening minds...it's a gift that keeps on giving.
And Rabbi Elazar HaModa'i’s point about earning a living righteously? That's huge. It's a reminder that our actions, both in our giving and in our getting, should be guided by integrity.
So, what's the takeaway? Maybe it's this: strive to be someone who performs tzedakah—acts of righteousness—at all times. Not just in big, showy ways, but in the quiet, consistent choices that shape our lives and impact the world around us. Because, as Midrash Tehillim suggests, true righteousness isn't a single act, but a way of being.