Rabbi Shmuel Bloch
Hazelwood Shabbos Minyan
However, what about giving charity? Does one need to ensure that the money that one donates is “kosher” as well?
Remarkably enough, the idea that one’s charity should be pure and unsullied is derived from this week’s parsha.
The parsha begins by discussing the contributions that the Jewish people needed to give in order to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in the desert. Careful analysis and deep contemplation are required in order to fully appreciate the function and purpose of the Mishkan.
Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveichik, one of the greatest rabbis of the 19th century, in his book “Beis Halevi”, wonders why the Parsha of Terumah, which deals with donations and charity, comes immediately after the parsha of Mishpatim, which deals with civil and tort law and different aspects of justice.
He answers that the close proximity of these two sections of the Torah comes to teach us a fundamental lesson. Before a person can contribute money to a worthy cause or dispense charity, he needs to investigate and clarify that the money in his possession was earned honestly and was not amassed by cheating and stealing from others.
The Beis Halevi explains that a person first needs familiarity and fluency in the intricate laws of Mishpatim, so that he will never defraud or deceive anybody while accumulating his wealth. Only after this has been achieved and this person is sure his money is “kosher money”, can he distribute money to those who really need it. Then he will be rewarded in full measure for the mitzvah of giving money to charity.
Helping others with one’s money when done correctly, generates feelings of indescribable goodness and righteousness.
“Hashem spoke to Moses saying: “Speak to the Children of Israel and let them take for me a ‘terumah’, from every man whose heart motivates him, you shall take My portion.” (Shemos Chapter 25 verse 1-2)
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that the word “terumah” is related to the Hebrew word “ROM” which means to uplift and elevate. The effect of donating to the Mishkan raised a person spiritually and imbued his wealth with holiness and purpose.
Such a person would naturally be elated and full of joy. We have all felt similarly when helping someone financially who is really in need.
Nothing can compare to knowing that you assisted someone who was down and out in a correct way and that they are now flourishing due to your timely intervention. You feel you truly have accomplished something wonderful in the world. The truth is that you have.
Jewish wisdom has much to say on the power and potency of helping others with your money. Kosher food affects one’s existence in the most profound way and giving charity in the correct way as per the instructions of the Torah, is no different. Do not delay. Do it and do it right.
If you do, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you will have made an investment that will yield priceless returns for all eternity and for all time.
