There are many citations in Jewish texts of the obligation to give to those less fortunate - regardless of one’s own lack. He tells the story of Rabbi Akiva and his wife, so poor that they had to sleep on straw. Elijah came to their door, dressed as a beggar, who told them that his wife was in labor, and they didn’t even have straw for her to lie on. Rabbi Akiva gave him some of their straw, noting that “this man doesn’t even have the straw that we have.” The Talmud says that even those who live on charity are obligated to give to charity.
Yes, we can give our time instead of our money. But there is something in the tangibility of money that is important. Time is important, too. But time doesn’t pay the bills. Time doesn’t buy food or medicine or pay rent. Once again, Telushkin is talking about the importance of taking care of the other. Regardless of how little you might have, someone else has less. My mother grew up in Johnstown, PA. She was six when The Flood hit. She talks about having to stay up in the attic for a couple of days, with only franks and beans to eat. She thought it was a marvelous adventure. And some of her friends didn’t even have franks and beans.
Let’s always remember to be thankful for the franks and beans.
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