We often think of tzedakah, usually translated as charity, as giving money to the poor. But what if it's something far more profound?
The Sifrei Devarim, a legal midrash on the Book of Deuteronomy, offers a fascinating perspective. It asks, "He did the righteousness (tzedakah) of the L-rd": What kind of tzedakah did he do with Israel?"
It then paints a picture of the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty long years. A well, traditionally associated with Miriam, miraculously provided water. Manna, a heavenly sustenance, rained down from above. Quail appeared in abundance, feeding the hungry. And the very presence of God, the Shekhinah, enveloped them in protective clouds of glory. Were these the acts of tzedakah being referred to?
Not exactly.
The Sifrei Devarim takes a surprising turn. It suggests that the ultimate act of tzedakah was teaching Torah to Israel. And it quotes Deuteronomy 6:25: "And it shall be (accounted) tzedakah to us if we observe to do all the words of this Torah." So, the greatest act of kindness, the most profound righteousness, wasn't just providing for their physical needs, but nurturing their souls with the wisdom of Torah. Think about that: investing in someone's spiritual growth as the highest form of giving.
But there's another layer to this. The Sifrei Devarim offers a variant interpretation, linking tzedakah with mishpat, often translated as justice. "He did the tzedakah of the L-rd and His judgments": We are hereby taught that tzedakah is bound up with justice (mishpat) under the throne of glory."
It then brings in Psalm 89:15: "Tzedek and mishpat are the foundation of Your throne." This is powerful. It elevates tzedakah beyond simple acts of kindness and connects it to the very fabric of divine justice. It implies that true righteousness isn't just about giving; it's about establishing a just and equitable world.
These ideas, tzedakah and mishpat, are intertwined and inseparable. They are the very pillars upon which God's kingdom rests. So, according to this teaching, tzedakah isn’t just a mitzvah; it's a cosmic imperative.
What are we to make of this? It seems that the Sifrei Devarim is urging us to think beyond the superficial. Tzedakah is not just about dropping coins in a cup. It's about investing in the spiritual well-being of others and striving to create a world where justice and righteousness reign. It challenges us to ask ourselves: are we truly doing the tzedakah of the L-rd? Are we contributing to a world founded on tzedek and mishpat? It's a profound question, and one worth pondering deeply.