Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom

The Iggeres HaKodesh of the Baal HaTanya states clearly that in our generation, the central avodah is tzedakah—and that a person must force himself to open his heart and give. This is not describing a feeling. It is describing a system to overcome resistance.
The halachic direction, rooted in the Rambam, brings it down to action: maaser money should be set aside in a designated place, separate from regular funds, ready at all times. If money intended for the poor is by a person and he delays giving it, that delay itself is already a problem. The issue is not whether he gives—it is whether he gives on time.
Put together, the obligation is not occasional generosity. It is readiness.
As soon as profit is made, a portion is separated. That money is no longer part of one’s personal funds. It is defined as tzedakah and held ready. By doing this, a person removes the internal struggle at the moment of giving. The decision was already made.
But even this is not enough if a person waits to be approached. Waiting is another form of holding back. The proper approach is to seek—actively—to find where the money belongs. To ask, to look, to pursue opportunities to give. In this way, a person is not reacting to need; he is chasing his responsibility.
And if one does not know how to find those in need, or how to approach them, there is a clear path: he should entrust the funds to his Rav or a trusted spiritual leader who is connected to the community. If that trust is real, then the money remains in a state of readiness through them—positioned to be distributed without delay.
This creates a complete structure:
Money is separated immediately.
It is not mixed with personal funds.
It is always accessible.
It is directed without hesitation.
That is what it means to be ready at all times.
Not when asked.
Not when inspired.
But as a constant state.