What does the Rambam teach about the mitzvah of tzedakah?
What does the Rambam teach about the mitzvah of tzedakah?
The Rambam teaches that giving charity to the poor among the Jewish people is a positive commandment, to be given according to the poor person's needs and the giver's capacity [5]. He also details the tithe for the poor (ma'aser ani) as one of the presents from the land's produce [2]. Furthermore, the Rambam states that in every city, Jews are obligated to appoint trustees for a charitable fund to collect and distribute money to the poor weekly [4].
Sources
- Igrot Kodesh, Letter 689 — Tzedakah — By the grace of Hashem, 23 Menachem Av 5710, To the distinguished Chassid*, who fears Hashem, Rav D. [1], Greetings and blessings, I reply…
- Mishneh Torah, Matanot Aniyim 6 — There is a sixth present 1 I.e., in addition to leket, peret, ollelot, shichichah , and peah (Radbaz). [awarded] to the poor from the land'…
- Igrot Kodesh, Letter 5878 — Tzedakah — B"H 26 Marcheshvan* 5718 Brooklyn To the Rav*, the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem and devotes himself to communal needs, Rav Peret…
- Mishneh Torah, Matanot Aniyim 9 — In every city where Jews live, they are obligated to appoint faithful, 1 See Chapter 10, the conclusion of Halachah 8. men of renown as tru…
- Mishneh Torah, Matanot Aniyim 7 — It is a positive commandment to give charity 1 Sefer HaMitzvot (positive commandment 195) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 479) include this co…
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