The Responsibilities of the Recipient of Charity (1)

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            One of the fundamental problems troubling those involved in providing welfare services, whether as individuals or as part of the public system, is the issue of the recipient's participation in and attitude towards the assistance extended to him.  There is, of course, no disagreement that it is preferable to involve the recipient in the process of and responsibility for providing for his own needs.  In countless cases, however, the recipient appears not to be working as hard as he can, preferring rather to cast the burden upon others.  In such circumstances, a piercing question arises: To what degree and by what means should we press for the increased participation of the recipient of aid, and to what extent is it possible to condition the extension of assistance on his readiness to share the burden? Regarding this point, opinions differ, and Judaism's position on the matter must be clarified.

 

            The search for an answer will initially be directed, of course, to the halakhic sources, but it will be quickly discovered – and this fact in itself demands investigation – that the fundamental sources in which an answer might be found, whether in the writings of Chazal or in the works of the Posekim, are exceedingly meager.  There are, indeed, limitations that determine who is fit to receive charity.  The Mishna in Pe'a states: "One who has two hundred zuz must not take gleanings, forgotten-produce, field-corner produce, or poor man's tithe."[1] This standard, together with its translation into buying power offered by several Rishonim ­– "And some [authorities] say that these standards applied only in their [= Chazal's] day, but today he may take as long as he does not have capital from which to support himself and his household from the profits, and this is a well-reasoned position"[2] – was codified as law with respect to charity.  This limitation does not, however, resolve our difficulty.  First of all, it is restricted to "tzedaka" (charity) – that is to say, monetary assistance – and does not relate to assistance falling into the category of "gemilut chasadim" (acts of kindness) that must be extended to "both the poor and the rich."[3]Second, while it provides a test of means that excludes the "rich" from receiving charity, it does not offer any guidelines on how to relate to one who qualifies for charity because he is poor.[4]

 

            More directly related to our issue is a Tannaitic dispute which appears to reflect different attitudes toward the matter at hand:

 

"Our Rabbis taught: 'Lend' (Devarim 15:8).  This [refers to someone] who has nothing and does not wish to be supported [from charity], to whom we give [money] as a loan, and afterwards we give [it] to him as a gift.  'Surely lend him' (ibid.).  This [refers to someone] who has [resources of his own] but does not wish to support himself [from them], to whom we give [money] as a gift, and afterwards we collect [it] from him after his death.  [These are] the words of Rabbi Yehuda.  But the Sages say: [If] he has [resources of his own] but does not wish to support himself [from them], we are not bound to [help] him.  But then how do I explain 'surely lend him'? The Torah spoke in the language of people."[5]

 

We see that according to Rabbi Yehuda a person of means that he wishes not to exploit is still defined as a needy person who must be treated and granted aid – and this seems to derive from the mitzva of tzedaka, and not only from gemilut chasadim – though he does not acquire the charity money.  His situation is similar to that of a person who is stuck on the road without any money, about whom Rabbi Eliezer ruled that "if a property-holder was traveling from place to place and in need of taking gleanings, forgotten-produce, field-corner produce, or poor man's tithe, he may take them, but when he returns home he must repay for them."[6] According to the Sages, however, the fact that a person "has resources of his own" in and of itself exempts others from all responsibility – at least, in the framework of the mitzva of gifts for the poor – to worry about their fellow.  But despite the striking difference in attitude reflected in this dispute, it does not suffice to resolve our question, for we must define the term "someone who has resources of his own." Rashi explains: "Someone who has resources of his own, but he doe not want to support himself from his own resources, but rather from charity, and he afflicts himself with hunger."[7] The Rambam sharpens the point: "A wealthy person who starves himself, and is miserly about his assets, not to eat or drink from them – we do not concern ourselves with him."[8] This formulation was codified as law by the Shulchan Arukh.[9] We appear to be dealing with a miser who prefers to save and starve – or to take from charity – over taking advantage of the resources already in his possession.  Despite all the criticism that may be leveled against a passive person who takes no steps to help himself, he can certainly not be compared to a person of means who mortifies himself.  Even one who maintains that the latter is responsible for his lot[10] can obligate the extension of assistance to one who has the opportunity to help himself, but in the meantime nothing more.

 

            A clearer source relates to a mitzva that involves not tzedaka but gemilut chasadim – perika ("unloading," the positive commandment to help another person unload an animal that has fallen under its load) and te'ina ("loading," the positive commandment requiring a person who sees an animal that has fallen under its load to help its master reload it): "[If the owner] went and sat down and said: 'Since the commandment is upon you, if it is your wish to unload, unload,' he is exempt, as it is said: 'With him' (Shemot 23:5)."[11] This case parallels our question; but the talmudic passage is unclear whether this limitation is unique to the mitzva of perika and te'ina, based on the Scriptural decree "with him," or perhaps it embodies a principle that is valid regarding the provision of assistance in general.

 

            Rabbi Shelomo Efrayim Luntshitz, in his commentary to the Torah, the Keli Yakar, adopted the second position.  Regarding the verse, "If you see the ass of him that hates you lying under it's burden, and would forbear (ve-chadalta) to unload it, you shall surely unload it with him" (Shemot 23:5) – as opposed to Rashi who understands that the word ve-chadalta grants an allowance not to offer assistance – the Keli Yakar comments:

 

"Therefore it says 'and would forbear to unload it,' because the word 'lo' does not mean 'with him,' for you are permitted to forbear helping him when he refuses to join you in the task.  This is an answer to some of the poor among our people who cast themselves on the community and refuse to do any work, even if they are able to engage in certain work or in some other endeavor that will bring food to the table, and they complain if they are not given whatever they are lacking.  For God did not command this, but rather, 'You shall surely unload it with him,' and 'you shall surely help him to lift them up again' (Devarim 22:4).  For the needy person must do whatever is in his power to do, and if despite all his efforts, he fails to earn a living, then every man in Israel is obligated to support and strengthen him, and to provide him with whatever he is lacking, and unload even a hundred times."[12]

 

            As opposed to the Keli Yakar's certainty about this issue, we find that one of the Rishonim, the Meiri, was in doubt about the matter.  In the course of a discussion regarding a talmudic discussion in Kiddushin, he mentions the two possibilities raised above, without deciding between them.  The Gemara there states that if a man says to a woman, "Be betrothed to me with this loaf of bread," and she tells him to give it to a dog, she is only betrothed to him if the dog is hers, for only then is she regarded as having derived benefit from the dog's eating.  In the continuation, the Gemara raises the following question, which it leaves unresolved: "Rav Mari asked: What if the dog was pursuing her? {Do we say that] in return for the benefit of saving herself from it she resolves and cedes herself to him; or perhaps she can say to him, 'By Torah law you were indeed bound to save me'?"[13]On this the Meiri comments:

 

"If a dog was pursuing her in order to bite her, the validity of her betrothal is in doubt.  For perhaps owing to his saving her, she resolved and ceded herself to him; or perhaps, since he too is bound to act in that manner, for the Torah states: 'Neither shall you stand aside when mischief befalls your neighbor' (Vayikra 19:16), she does not resolve to cede herself.  Now this applies when she agrees to return the value of the loaf of bread, for if not, he is not obligated to save her, for one is even forbidden to save himself with another person' s money.  But there are some who say that while he himself is forbidden to save himself with another person's money when the owner of that money is not there, nevertheless whenever the owner of the money is present, he is obligated to save [the person in distress] even on condition that he will not recover from him what he spends on saving him, and he cannot collect that sum from him in court.  This is what [the Sages] said regarding the mitzva of unloading: '[If the owner] went and sat down and said: "Since the commandment is upon you, if it is your wish to unload, unload," he is exempt, as it is said: "With him."' The reason is that it says 'with him,' but without that he is obligated.  And if you propose to say that even where it does not state 'with him,' the same law applies – there it is because the injured person can help him, and if he refuses to help, others do not have a greater obligation to save his money than he does.  And furthermore, there we are only dealing with the rescue of money, but here where we are dealing with the rescue of the person himself, and that person is unable to save himself, [the onlooker] is obligated to rescue him even if it causes him a [financial] loss, and he cannot collect from him what he expended on his rescue."[14]

 

            The Meiri's words are instructive in and of themselves, but in light of the silence of the rest of the Rishonim and Posekim, they do not negate the fact that our problem has not been exhaustively discussed in the primary halakhic sources.  This silence has left us room to investigate the matter.  Specifically, it has left room for a discussion which is based on the halakhic foundations of gemilut chasadim, and which by its very nature will bring under consideration the moral and ethical dimension of the issue.  It is precisely this dimension which is problematic, for our problem is rooted in a clash of values.  On the one hand, there is the mitzva of gemilut chasadim, with all the halakhic and social obligations that it involves, which demand of the benefactor maximal assistance.  On the other hand, there is a demand, perhaps no less legitimate, to reduce the help and sharing of the burden.  This demand has at least three components – one related to the limitations of the benefactor, and two connected to the welfare of the recipient. 

 

First of all, since we are talking about dividing up limited resources, generosity toward one person always comes at the expense of his fellow.  This consideration is true about every act of benevolence, but it is especially valid with respect to a public system built on the money and efforts of others upon whom are made coercive demands.  While its full political weight is felt in trying times, whether because of real political and economic limitations or against the background of a taxpayers' revolt, as a moral argument, it is valid at all times.[15]

 

Second, unqualified giving, even were it practically and budget-wise possible, is liable to clash with the fundamental objective of any relief plan: the rehabilitation of the recipient to the point that emotionally and functionally he is capable of standing on his own two feet.  If the Rambam placed at the top of the scale of charity "a person who assists a poor Jew by providing him with a gift or a loan or by accepting him into a business partnership or by helping him find employment – in a word, by putting him where he can dispense with other people's aid,"[16] then it is clear that the highest goal in helping a person who has already fallen low is the restoration of his independence.  It is precisely abundant aid that is liable to block the attainment of this goal, by intensifying the reality and the feeling of dependence to the point of degeneration and even paralysis of the emotional strengths that are necessary for the rehabilitation process. 

 

Lastly, the participation of the recipient is necessary for his moral benefit no less than for his psychological benefit.  One need not adopt the views of Emerson or Carlyle in order to understand that the ability to assume responsibility is a measure not only of a person's emotional health, but also of his spiritual level.  Therefore, whenever this ability is impaired by unconditional giving – or by giving to which are attached only minimal conditions – there exists an additional dimension to the clash of values that stands at the center of our problem.

 

            This clash necessitates a dual approach, in the spirit of the words of Napoleon – that a person should pray as if everything depended upon God and fight as if everything depended upon him.  When relating to the needy person, one ought to encourage personal effort and stimulate self-confidence.  This point has a universal moral foundation, but it draws special strength from the enormous emphasis that Judaism places on free will.  The entire halakhic systmem is based on one central fact – "Free will is bestowed on every human being.  If one desires to turn toward the good way and be righteous, he has the power to do so.  If one wishes to turn toward the evil way and be wicked, he is at liberty to do so.  And thus it is written in the Torah: 'Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil' (Bereishit 3:22) – which means that the human species had become unique in the world – there being no other species like it in the following respect, namely, that man, of himself and by exercise of his own intelligence and reason, knows what is good and what is evil, and there is none who can prevent him from doing that which is good or that which is evil"[17] – and upon the conclusion that may be drawn from it: "Since every human being, as we have explained, has free will, a man should strive to repent, make verbal expression of his sins, and renounce them, so that he may die penitent and thus be worthy of life in the World-to-Come."[18] What is true about pentitence on the spiritual level is true about rehabilitation on the emotional and physical level.  Since every man has free will, he must strive to rehabilitate hiself and confront his problems and overcome his difficulties so that he may live and merit life in this world.  The Torah asserts that, factually, a person is capable; and therefore, morally, he is obligated.  Pouvier oblige.  The recognition of free will is a basic component in the Torah's outlook regarding the provision of support in general; and it is especially important in assessing the recipient's contribution to his own rehabilitation.  His personal responsibility stands at the center of Judaism's ethics and psychological understanding; and its practical expression over the course of treating the needy is strengthening the feeling and reality of his personal strength.

 

            As for our problem, this emphasis does not exhaust itself in encouragement.  It seems to me that it expresses itself in criticism as well.  The final Mishna in tractate Pe'a states: "And anyone who is not in need of taking and does take will not die before he will be dependent on others."[19] The Mishna does not clarify – nor does the Gemara here or anywhere else – to whom it refers.  But it is difficult to assume that it is talking about someone who has two hundred zuz (or fifty with which he conducts business), but nevertheless takes charity.  Such a person is a real thief.  It may be suggested that we are dealing here with a person who does not have two hundred zuz, but is capable of earning such a sum and thus go over the limit.  Formally, such a person is entitled to accept gifts for the poor, because he is still defined as a pauper.  But since he refuses to develop his abilities, Chazal do not spare him their criticism.  And indeed, when the Rambam codifies the Mishna's ruling, he adds a source, but ignores the element of theft: "He, who having no need of alms, obtains alms by deception will, ere he die of old age, fall into a dependency that is real.  Such a person comes under the characterization: 'Cursed is the man that trusts in man' (Yirmiyahu 17:5)."[20] It is not clear whether the evil lies in his lack of trust in God and his reliance on man – which belongs of course to the realm of the relations between man and God – or in the unnecessary exploitation of people through their deception.  In any event, we are certainly not dealing here with real thievery, and it is reasonable to assume that the reference is to someone who is capable of sharing the burden, but renounces his responsibility.

 

            When relating to the benefactor, the situation is reversed.  His readiness and obligation to extend assistance to another person is in great measure a function of that other person's weakness.  The stronger he is, the more the inclination to help him dissipates.  Here, then, is the essence of our question; and it divides into two.  First of all, does there exist, fundamentally, an obligation to offer charity and acts of kindness to a person who is capable of overcoming his difficulties, but for some reason gives up? And second, if indeed such an obligation exists, what factors determine the circumstances in which it applies?

 

            The answer to the first question is connected to the roots of the obligation of gemilut chasadim.  This mitzva has two different, but complementary sources.  The first is the foundation of interpersonal mitzvot, the great principle of Rabbi Akiva: "And you shall love your neighbor as yourself." This fact should be understandable by itself, but in any event, the Rambam explained it:

 

"The following positive commands were ordained by the Rabbis: visiting the sick; comforting the mourners; joining a funeral procession; dowering a bride; escorting departing guests; performing for the dead the last tender offices; acting as a pallbearer; going before the bier; making lamentation (for the dead); digging a grave and burying the body; causing the bride and the bridegroom to rejoice; providing them with all their needs [for the wedding].  These constitute deeds of kindness performed in person and for which no fixed measure is prescribed.  Although all these commands are only on rabbinical authority; they are implied in the precept: 'And you shall love your neighbor as yourself' (Vayikra 19:18), that is: what you would have others do to you, do to him who is your brother in the Law and in the performance of the commandments."[21]

 

The second source is one of the focuses of mitzvot between man and God: "You shall walk in His ways" (Devarim 28:9).  Some of the actions included in the Rambam's list under the heading of "loving your neighbor" are characterized by the Gemara in Sota as part of the obligation of imitatio Dei, imitating God:

 

"Rav Chama son of Rav Chanina said: What means the text: 'You shall walk after the Lord your God' (Devarim 13:5)? Is it possible for a human being to walk after the Shekhina; for has it not been said: 'For the Lord your God is a devouring fire' (ibid. 4:24)? But [the meaning is] to walk after the attributes of the Holy One, blessed be He.  As He clothes the naked, for it is written: 'And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skin, and clothed them' (Bereishit 3:21), so do you also clothe the naked.  The Holy One, blessed be He, visited the sick, for it is written: 'And the Lord appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre' (ibid. 18:1), so do you also visit the sick.  The Holy One, blessed be He, comforted mourners, for it is written: 'And it came to pass after the death of Avraham, that God blessed Yitzchak his son' (ibid.  25:11), so do you also comfort mourners.  The Holy One, blessed be He, buried the dead, for it is written: 'And He buried him in the valley' (Devarim 34:6), so do you also bury the dead."[22]

 

On the practical level, the two sources of obligation are generally congruent, but from a theoretical perspective, they are very different; and with respect to our question, it seems to me that a distinction should be drawn between them.  Based on "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," it is unreasonable to obligate a person to do for his neighbor that which he won't make the effort to do for himself.  The obligation towards him and his right to receive acts of kindness seem to be conditioned on his readiness to do his share.  However, the obligation to imitate God does not depend upon any other factor, for God's kindness is unconditional.  There is indeed a saying that "God helps those who help themselves," which implies that He does not help those who don't help themselves; and whole generations of people who ignored the unfortunate, and even abused them, soothed their consciences with this idea.  This, however, is not the Jewish outlook. 

 

Judaism does, of course, recognizes man's obligation to do whatever he can to provide for his own needs, and even forbids reliance on miracles, but it does not condition Divine assistance on man's contribution.  With all the importance of "earthly stirring" (it'aruta diletata), "heavenly stirring" (it'aruta dile'eila) does not depend upon it: "'And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious' (Shemot 33:19) – although he may not deserve it.  'And I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy' (ibid.) – although he may not deserve it."[23] Lovingkindness is provided even to one who is "undeserving" because he is negligent in his efforts to advance himself.  The quantitative and qualitative dimensions of God's mercy – "'Abundant in mercy' – to those who need mercy because they have not sufficient merits [to be saved by them]"[24] – include, without a reckoning, even those who are undeserving.  If God would do a reckoning, who in fact would be able to stand? The same applies, then, to man's obligation to engage in acts of lovingkindness out of a desire to follow in God's ways.  Not with calculated and planned steps, and not out of considerations of reciprocity and mutuality, agreement and parallelism, does man walk in the footsteps of his Creator, but precisely with acts of kindness that breach the dams of balance and reckoning; which are given, as formulated by the Rambam, even to "one who has no right at all to claim this from you."[25

 

It is possible to suggest another difference between the two sources of obligation with respect to our question from a different perspective – the nature of the relationship to the other person.  Gemilut chasadim that is based on love of one's fellow has an interpersonal foundation.  The recipient is considered as a side with standing, as a gavra (subject), in the framework of mutual, if not equal, relations.  Thus, it is reasonable to condition the obligation of the one party on the conduct of the other.  But Gemilut chasadim that is based on walking in the ways of God is not rooted in a relationship with another person.  It constitutes a personal moral and religious challenge in the context of which the other person is merely the field of activity, sort of a cheftza (object) with which the mitzva is fulfilled – and as it applies even to animals, for "the Holy One, blessed be He, sits and sustains [all creatures] from the horns of wild oxen to the eggs of vermin"[26] – but not a side with any standing in the matter.  Thus it follows that the negligence of the recipient does not negate the obligation of the benefactor.  Is a reckoning done with the horns of wild oxen and the eggs of vermin?

 

            We will continue this discussion in next week's shiur.

 

(Translated by David Strauss)