It's more than just handing something over. It's like tossing a pebble into a pond, the ripples go far beyond what you can see. Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Exodus, explores this very idea. It suggests that "a person’s giving expands for him," opening doors and creating blessings in unexpected ways. It all comes from Proverbs 18:16, "A person’s giving expands for him [and will bring him before great men]."
The midrash, the ancient Jewish method of interpreting scripture, shares a fascinating story about a man named Avin. He was known as "Avin the deceiver," but not in the way you might think! Avin secretly matched every donation made to charity, without anyone knowing. He created the impression that he wasn't donating himself! When the Sages discovered his secret acts of generosity, they honored him by seating him among them. This recognition, this elevation, proves that "a man's giving expands for him." You see, giving isn’t always about public display; sometimes, the most profound acts of generosity are the ones done in secret.
But the idea doesn't stop there. Shemot Rabbah then takes us back to Abraham. Remember when he defeated the four kings? The King of Sodom offered him all the spoils, but Abraham refused, declaring, "I have raised my hand to the Lord…not a thread or a sandal strap" (Genesis 14:22–23). He didn’t want to profit from the victory. Now, the Holy One, blessed be He, noticed this incredible act of selflessness. According to the midrash, God said, "You say: 'Not a thread,' as you live, with that same expression I will laud your descendants, as it is stated: 'Your lips are like a scarlet thread' (Song of Songs 4:3). You said: 'Or a sandal strap,' with that expression, I will laud your descendants, as it is stated: 'How fair are your feet in sandals' (Song of Songs 7:2)." Because of Abraham's refusal to take, his descendants would be praised. His act of giving up material wealth resulted in eternal blessings.
Then, the text turns to the Israelites and their enthusiastic contributions to the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). They gave so generously that, according to Rabbi Yochanan, they brought all the necessary materials in just two mornings! What was their reward? That the Holy One would expand their boundaries. As it says in Deuteronomy 12:20, "When the Lord your God will expand your boundary." Giving, in this case, led to literal expansion and prosperity.
Rabbi Yonatan offers another perspective, stating that three things were given as a gift, a matana, to the world: rain, light, and Torah. Rain, as it says, "I will provide [venatati] your rains in their time" (Leviticus 26:4). Light, as it is written, "God set [vayiten] them in the firmament of the heavens" (Genesis 1:17). And Torah, as it is stated, "He gave [vayiten] to Moses […the two tablets of Testimony]." These fundamental elements of life are not earned, but given freely.
Rabbi Azarya, citing Rabbi Shimon, adds peace to this list, referencing the verse "I will provide [venatati] peace in the land" (Leviticus 26:6). Shalom, peace, is not just the absence of conflict, but a gift, a blessing bestowed upon us.
So, what does this all mean? Giving isn't just about charity or material possessions. It's about a spirit of generosity, a willingness to share, to sacrifice, and to trust that the universe will reciprocate. It's about Avin's secret generosity, Abraham's refusal of spoils, the Israelites' enthusiastic contributions, and the very gifts of rain, light, Torah, and peace. It's about understanding that when we give, we create space for something greater to enter our lives and the world around us. What kind of giving will you bring into the world?