How To Give Charity

Parshat Teruma is the Parsha that gives us guidelines as to how we maximize the Mitzva of giving charity.

The Alshich clarifies how this should be done. We begin with a recognition that we are giving back that which was deposited with us by Hashem. We should certainly be donating funds that were earned cleanly. Not appropriate to give charity from ill gotten gains.

We should be giving with no ulterior motives. It should not be with intention of trying to impress others. And we should not pressure others to give, either.

Giving privately is a key towards the success of our gift. Even donations towards the Temple should have been given privately.

The Midrash Rabbah on the Book of Ruth, points out the special relationship between the rich and the poor. The poor help the rich nourish their soul, and the rich help the poor nourish their body.

The important trait that we are to learn how to develop, is the joy of giving. We are to appreciate that we are in a position to give, and have the ability to lighten the load of those less fortunate.

When we give in this way, and it is never in a begrudging manner, we will reap the benefits of this Mitzva. We will feel joy and we will know that we are acting in a way that is pleasing to G-d.