Not to withhold charity from the poor

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 480) explains that refusing to give denies Hashem’s providence. Faith means recognizing that wealth is entrusted to us for sharing, and that withholding charity reflects a lack of trust in Divine blessing.

Charity – צְדָקָה

• Rambam (Hilchot Matanot Aniyim 7:2) rules that withholding when one has the ability violates Torah law. This mitzvah complements the positive command (Mitzvah 250), making charity both an obligation to act and a prohibition against neglect.

Compassion – רַחֲמִים

• Talmud (Ketubot 68a) states that one who refuses to give is as though he sheds blood, since the poor may rely on this support for survival. Withholding charity is therefore cruelty, while giving cultivates mercy.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• Rashi (Deuteronomy 15:7) emphasizes that the Torah forbids both “hardening the heart” and “shutting the hand.” Justice requires aligning intention and action, ensuring fairness in how resources are shared.

Kindness – חֶסֶד

• Acts of charity are also expressions of chesed. Rambam (Hilchot Matanot Aniyim 10:4) stresses that giving with a smile and gentleness counts as chesed in addition to tzedakah, while withholding creates pain and humiliation.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• This mitzvah builds social responsibility. A society where charity is withheld fragments, while one where needs are met thrives in solidarity and trust.

Humility – עֲנָוָה

• Rambam (Hilchot Matanot Aniyim 10:7) teaches that giving should be done with humility, acknowledging that we are merely stewards of Hashem’s blessings. Refusal to give reveals arrogance and self-centeredness.

Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

• Withholding charity is a direct violation of interpersonal responsibility. This mitzvah refines character by forbidding selfishness and obligating us to open both our hand and our heart to others.