Mitzvah 479: The commandment of charity

The commandment of charity (tsedakah): To do charity with the one who needs it, with happiness and out of the goodness of one’s heart; meaning to say, that we give from our money to one who is lacking, and to strengthen the poor in all areas that he needs for his sustenance, with all of our ability. And about this is it stated (Deuteronomy 15:8), “you shall surely open your hand to him.” And they, may their memory be blessed, expounded (Bava Metzia 31a), “Even several times.” And it is also stated (Leviticus 25:35), “and you shall strengthen the stranger and the citizen to live with you.” And it stated further (Leviticus 25:36), “and your brother should live with you.”

Sefer HaChinukh cites Deuteronomy 15:8.

you shall surely open your hand to him.

A corresponding passage could not be identified safely in this source record.

From the laws of the commandment is that which they, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Batra 10b) that the essence of the commandment is to give charity to the hand of a treasurer who should distribute it to the one who needs it; so that the recipient from the hand of the giver not be embarrassed each time he sees him; and also that the giver not embarrass him about it ever. [Rather] this one does not know to whom he gave it, and that one does not know from whom he received it.

A corresponding passage could not be identified safely in this source record.

• Bava Metzia 31a
• Leviticus 25:35
• Leviticus 25:36
• Bava Batra 10b
• Bava Batra 9a
• Ketuvot 67b