The Mitzvah of Urging Others to Give

By RABBI DAVID ROSENN

Parashat Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17)

There will never cease to be needy people in your land. That is why I command you, saying: "Open your hand to your brother, to the poor, and to the needy in your land."

(Deuteronomy 15:11)

The word "saying" seems unnecessary. In fact, it seems that the verse would mean exactly the same thing if that word were left out. But if, as the ancient rabbis taught us, there is no word without meaning in the Torah, what is the meaning of the word "saying" in the verse above?

Our sages taught that "causing others to do tzedakah is even greater than doing tzedakah one's self." (Bava Batra 9a). This principle is alluded to by the word "saying" in our verse. You should read it: "That is why I command you (about) saying, "Open your hand to your brother, to the poor, and to the needy in your land." It's not enough for you yourself to give. You also have a responsibility to be "saying" to others, "Open your hand..."

(Baa'l Seder Ha-Dorot, cited in Itturei Torah, Vol. 6, p. 104)

Individual deeds of poverty relief are important, but this teaching argues that it is even more important to urge others to give. Why do the sages place such an emphasis on urging other people to meet the needs of the poor? Why isn't it sufficient for each of us to take responsibility for doing our own part?