Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom

1. The verse in Mishlei (Proverbs 21:21) states:

רֹדֵף צְדָקָה וָחָסֶד יִמְצָא חַיִּים צְדָקָה וְכָבוֹד

“One who pursues tzedakah and chesed will find life, righteousness, and honor.”

The Gemara — Bava Basra 9b

2. Rabbi Yitzchak teaches:

כל הרודף אחר צדקה, הקדוש ברוך הוא ממציא לו מעות ועושה בהן צדקה.

“Anyone who pursues tzedakah, Hashem provides him with money, and he performs tzedakah with it.”

Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak adds that Hashem also provides worthy recipients, enabling the giver to receive the proper reward for his mitzvah.

3. The Gemara distinguishes between נותן צדקה — one who gives tzedakah and רודף אחר צדקה — one who pursues tzedakah. The first responds generously when approached. The second actively searches for people in need, investigates worthy causes, and creates opportunities to help. Both fulfill the mitzvah, but pursuing tzedakah represents an additional level of commitment.

The Chofetz Chaim — Ahavas Chesed

4. In Ahavas Chesed (Part II, Chapter 9), the Chofetz Chaim observes how much effort a Jew invests in performing other mitzvos properly:

כמה טרחות מטריח האיש הישראלי בסכה ולולב וכהאי גונא בכל המצות לעשותן על גדר השלמות

How much effort a Jew expends for sukkah, lulav, and other mitzvos to perform them in the best possible manner.

5. A person willingly spends time and money selecting a beautiful esrog, obtaining a proper lulav, or building a kosher sukkah. Why should chesed receive less attention? Helping another Jew also deserves personal effort, even when it involves inconvenience.

6. In Ahavas Chesed (Part II, Chapter 17), the Chofetz Chaim cites the Gemara in Bava Basra 9b, emphasizing the special blessing associated with pursuing tzedakah. Hashem provides both the financial means and the opportunities to perform the mitzvah.

The Difference Between Giving and Pursuing

7. Consider two wealthy individuals. One gives $100,000 annually to charity, primarily responding to requests. The other also gives generously but takes the initiative to identify struggling families, especially those too embarrassed to ask. The distinction is not necessarily the amount donated, but the personal effort invested in finding opportunities to help.

A Practical Example — Visiting Israel for Yom Tov

8. Consider a financially comfortable family traveling to Israel for Yom Tov. They rent a beautiful apartment, purchase everything necessary for the holiday, and arrive prepared to enjoy themselves. Yet in the same neighborhood, building, or even on the same floor, there may be families struggling to afford basic Yom Tov necessities.

9. In neighborhoods such as Ramat Shlomo in Yerushalayim, a visitor can approach a local Rav familiar with the community and discreetly inquire about families needing assistance. Through the Rav, he can provide financial help while preserving their dignity and privacy.

10. A person who arrives with abundance should be sensitive to those living around him. While ensuring that his own family enjoys Yom Tov comfortably, he should consider whether nearby families have sufficient food, clothing, and other necessities to celebrate the holiday with dignity.

In Summary

11. The essence of רודף צדקה וחסד is initiative. A person does not limit his charitable giving to those who approach him. He makes a deliberate effort to discover where assistance is needed, even when traveling or on vacation.

12. This is the lesson of the Gemara and the Chofetz Chaim: just as we pursue opportunities to perform other mitzvos beautifully, we should pursue opportunities to help others. Sometimes the person most deserving of our assistance is not far away, but living right next door.

רֹדֵף צְדָקָה וָחָסֶד יִמְצָא חַיִּים צְדָקָה וְכָבוֹד

Sources: Mishlei 21:21; Talmud Bavli, Bava Basra 9b; Chofetz Chaim, Ahavas Chesed, Part II, Chapters 9 and 17.