Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa Completes the Intent of the Mitzvah of Tzedakah of the Entire World
With immense joy, we can now illuminate the statement in the Gemara: "בכל יום ויום בת קול יוצאת מהר חורב ואומרת, כל העולם כולו ניזונין בשביל חנינא בני, וחנינא בני די לו בקב חרובין מערב שבת לערב שבת." Without a doubt, many Jews give tzedakah in every generation, but not everyone is capable of doing so ideally, without ulterior motives or a desire to be rewarded. Therefore, HKB”H, in His infinite mercy, combines their less-than-ideal giving of tzedakah with the pure, ideal desire of Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa and other tzaddikim who emulate him—who want to give tzedakah but lack the funds and means. In this manner, the act of tzedakah of all Jews is completed ideally. Thus, the entire world is sustained by the merit of Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa and the tzaddikim who follow his example. Furthermore, all of Yisrael are rewarded for the mitzvah of tzedakah that they performed.
In conclusion, we will now elucidate the passuk: "נתון תתן לו ולא ירע לבבך בתתך לו"—you shall surely give to him, and let your heart not feel bad when you give him. The Midrash teaches (V.R. 34, 8): “More than the householder (the wealthy person) does for the poor person, the poor person does for the householder.” In keeping with our current discussion, we are speaking about a rich man who gives albeit reluctantly and a poor person who wishes he could give tzedakah like the rich man. As we have learned, HKB”H combines the heartfelt thought of the poor person with the actual giving of the rich person. As a result, the “ba’al habayis” giving the tzedakah fulfills the mitzvah of tzedakah totally.
This then is the interpretation of the passuk: "נתון תתן לו ולא ירע לבבך בתתך לו". If you regret giving tzedakah and do not give with an open heart, you will not fulfill the mitzvah completely, because you lack the proper intent of the mitzvah. Consequently: "כי בגלל הדבר הזה"—as the Academy of Rabbi Yishmael taught: "גלגל הוא שחוזר בעולם"—you will have to reincarnate as a pauper who yearns to give tzedakah. Clearly then, it is advisable to give tzedakah with an open, loving heart, so that you will merit Hashem’s blessing in your lifetime in all your endeavors: "כי בגלל הדבר הזה יברכך ה' אלקיך בכל מעשיך ובכל משלח ידיך".
