Subject: In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirmiyahu (Barry Pessin)
From: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
Date: 5/12/2017, 5:29 AM
To: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
BCC: menachem@alonsystems.com
The Mishna in Avos (5:12) says there are four types of people when it comes to giving charity. The first type gives charity but doesn't want others to give, he has a begrudging eye in regards to others (wealth).
This statement is a bit difficult to understand, if he gives charity and doesn't want others to give why does this mean he has a begrudging eye? In fact just the opposite, he wants other people to save their money and he is being careful about their money.
Rav Ovadia MiBartenura explains simply that since it is written in the Prophets and our Sages explain that a person who gives charity will attain wealth, the person who doesn't want others to give is in fact begrudging in regards to their wealth as he doesn't want them to receive the wealth promised to those who give charity.
Rabbenu Yonah explains that this person gives money in order to be honored and since he doesn't want to share the honor with anyone else he tries to prevent them from giving money as well, he is therefore begrudging the honor of others (not their wealth).
May we all be blessed with the ability and will to not only give charity but to encourage others to as well!
Shabbat Shalom,
Have a wonderful Lag BaOmer and for all the mothers a happy Mother's Day!
