In this week's parsha BeHar we read about the mitzvah of tzedakah charity, and the mitzvah to lend money to those in need (without interest). Our sages teach us that there are three levels of of tzedakah. The first is giving charity, the second is offering an (interest free) loan and lastly, is to help the person find suitable employment or to provide him with working capital (as an investment).

It is interesting that charity is the "lowest" form while lending is a greater form of help and helping them find employment is the highest form. In general we would think just the opposite. When you give charity you are giving away your money and getting nothing back, when you give a loan you may just be missing out on some opportunities for the time being until the money is repaid, and by employing or helping someone find employment you are literally paying them for their service and you don't lose anything at all.

In practice though I find most people are much more willing to offer charity than they are willing to offer a loan and people are the least willing to help someone find employment by either employing them or helping them with a meaningful connection. There may be many reasons for these differences and in many cases people may have very good reasons to be reluctant, but I think if we do some true introspection we will find that in most cases our reluctance comes from negative traits.

We have to realize any financial success or connections we have were given to us as gifts from G-d and if that is the case we need to realize we were put in that position for a reason. And if we are in the position to help someone then we should to the best of our ability. But we tend to believe the success is because of our own handiwork and if that is the case our position doesn't come with any obligations. I think though if we do a serious analysis of our surroundings of friends, family, acquaintances we will find some stark differences in people's financial situations. Do we really have a rational understanding of why one person is so much more successful than others? Are all the rich people smart? Did they all go to elite colleges? There are plenty rich dumb people and smart poor people. There are plenty of hard working poor people and plenty of laid back rich people. I marvel at families which had no family wealth, no family business, but all of the siblings and their children have all "done well" each in their own fields. How does it make sense? Because when Hashem wants to bring wealth on a family He doesn't need a family business to do it, He can just make everyone successful in whichever field they are in.     

I hope an pray that everyone reading is in fact in a position to help others and should always be, but our society has been turned upside down. There are so many people in need around us in one way or another. If we take some time each week and think how can we help the people around us? Do we have family or friends that are in need? Are we willing to help them find a job or employ them? If not can we offer a loan or help them out with charity? If we were G-d Forbid in that position what would we want from others? We have all most likely been "given a break" in life by someone which really helped us succeed, how can we do that for someone else as well?

If you wait for people to ask they may never ask for help, just jump in and offer, or even better just jump in and do it.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath