Rabbi Weberman’s Message

The seventeenth of Tammuz marks the blockade of Jerusalem. The Talmud (Gittin 56A) tells us that there were three wealthy people who encouraged the leadership not to surrender to the Roman legions. They said that they had enough to support the population of the Holy City for twenty one years. One pledged wheat and barley, the other offered wine, salt and oil and the other would give firewood. The rabbis gave more praise to the offer of firewood.

Why? Aren’t wheat and barley more important for nourishment than wine, salt and oil? Aren’t both more important than firewood? Shouldn’t the greater praise have been directed to the givers of the more vital commodities?

The Rebbe of Cancz would always have goose in honor of the Sabbath Eve meal. One Friday night the Rebbetzin served chicken. The Rebbe asked: “Why is this Friday night different from all other Friday nights?” The Rebbetzin replied: “There was only goose left on the market and Mrs. so and so gave a bid higher than we could afford.” The Rebbe remarked: “Mrs. so and so! She receives support from my charity every week for her Sabbath needs. I will now change her stipend.” The Rebbetzen exclaimed: “So now you will lower her allowance!” The Rebbe replied: “Certainly not! Now that I know she needs goose, I will increase her allowance,”

Upon seeing people in great danger, it is very much within human nature to respond in an effort to save lives. To fulfill needs beyond dire necessities requires the quality feelings of a highly righteous soul. A begrudging response would be: ”Recipients of charity should not burden us with their luxuries”. The exalted, righteous soul does not look at the fulfillment of a poor person’s comfort as an unnecessary burden but rather as a great opportunity to perform charity on a high level.

Wealth and riches are in his house and his charity endures forever.
(Psalm 112:3)