Gemilus Chassodim as a Yeshivah student: Assisting the rich in forms other than money, and charity to the spiritually poor; when to give; not attending college; merit of learning Chassidus
B.H.
Chanukah, 5723
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Mordecai Yosef Shimon Berger
Telshe Yeshiva
Wickliffe, Ohio.
Sholom uBrocho:
I received your letter, in which you ask how can you observe the Mitzvah of Gemilus Chassodim being at the Yeshiva.
Surely you know that, as it is explained in the Gemoro and many other sources, Gemilus Chassodim can be observed not only with money but in many other ways, and, moreover, not only in regard to the poor, but also the rich. Even Tzedoko, which is to help the poor, is not limited to those who are poor materially, but also to those who are poor spiritually. Needless to say, the plain meaning of the words — in terms of money — is not to be excluded.
Furthermore, and this is essential, if there is no poor man present, it is possible to hand over the money to a Gabbai-Tzedoko, who is the representative of the poor (or to put it in a box) to be turned over to the poor eventually.
The auspicious and opportune times to give Tzedoko is before prayer, and before fulfilling any Mitzva in general. Of course, when a poor man is present and asks for a donation, that is when one also fulfills the commandment “you shall not shut off your hand from your needy brother.”
With regard to the question of College for Yeshiva boys, my opinion is well known, and it has been amply publicized, and all the aspects are discussed. I trust my position is known to you.
In line with the aspiration which you express in your letter, I trust you have a regular shiur in Chassidus every day, with increased time on Shabbos. We have been assured that when a person sanctifies himself a little in his daily life here below, he is sanctified a great deal from On High, and may you go from strength to strength in all matters of Torah and Mitzvoth, in accordance with the teachings of the Chanukah lights which we light in growing number from day to day.
With blessing,
