What the Torah teaches us about tzedakkah TB Baba Metzia 31

 When one verb is doubled in biblical Hebrew, the action is emphasized. One example is: כִּֽי־פָתֹ֧חַ תִּפְתַּ֛ח אֶת־יָדְךָ֖ ל֑וֹ-Rather, you must open your hand and lend whatever is sufficient to meet the need. (Deuteronomy 15:11). The rabbis understood that each word of the Torah is significant and comes to teach us something important. Daf TB Baba Metzia 31 analyzes 13 different doubled verbs and their meanings. We learn two very important laws concerning tzedakkah from some of these double verbs.

The first law comes from a close reading of the above verse. “With regard to the mitzva of giving charity and granting loans, it is written: “For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, saying: You shall open [patoaḥ tiftaḥ] your hand to your poor and needy brother in your land” (Deuteronomy 15:11). I have derived only the obligation to give charity to the poor residents of your city. From where is the obligation to give charity to the poor residents of another city derived? The verse states: “Patoaḥ tiftaḥ,” to teach that you must give charity to the poor in any case.” (Sefaria.org translation)

The verse the Gemara analyzes is “נָת֤וֹן תִּתֵּן֙ ל֔וֹ וְלֹא־יֵרַ֥ע לְבָבְךָ֖ בְּתִתְּךָ֣ ל֑וֹ-Give readily and have no regrets when you do so” (Deuteronomy 15:10) “With regard to the mitzva of giving charity it is written: “Beware…and your eye is stingy against your needy brother…You shall give [naton titten] him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give unto him” (Deuteronomy 15:9–10). I have derived only the obligation to give a large gift. From where is the obligation to give even a small gift derived? The verse states: “Naton titten,” to teach that one must give gifts in any case, whether a large gift or a small one.” (Sefaria.org translation)

The root of tzedakkah is tzadik (צ) dalet (ד) kof (ק) which means righteous. We are commanded to do what is right. We can’t just care for those nearby. When tragedy strikes, we’re commanded to help out those who live far away in need. No wonder the UJA and the synagogues I have been affiliated with always have emergency appeals to help those when earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters strike. Where these disasters are has no impact on our obligation to help. The size of the gift isn’t as important as your willingness to give what you’re able.