Question of the Week:
My grandfather used to always give beggars on the street a coin, and he would say it is better to give before you are asked. I am now realizing that many of his sayings were actually based on Jewish wisdom, and am researching the sources. Is there something about giving without being asked?
Answer:
Your grandfather was a mystic, even if he didn't know it.
The Baal Shem Tov taught that there is an extra power to charity when you give it without being asked. When the giver initiates a donation, it arouses divine kindness from above even more than when you respond to a request to give. Just as you gave an unsolicited gift, you will receive blessings from above that you didn't even ask for.
This is illustrated… Read More »