What is the inadvertent message of Giving Tuesday, Mothers’ Day, Veterans’ Day and all the myriad other “Days” that are scattered throughout the year? Think about it. We owe honor to our parents and veterans every day of the year. We should feel the obligation to give to charity every single time we receive or...
I know tithing is important for God’s blessing on my family finances. However, my husband refuses to tithe. Before the Covid curse overtook our country, he had, finally, begun to give $50 per week, some weeks. I begged him for most of our 40-year marriage to tithe. He has always said we cannot afford to...
Thanks for the opportunity you give for questions, I have long been reading and studying the Jewish wisdom from you and it’s quite interesting. My question is that for many years I have lived a life of having human sympathy when it comes to charitable contributions. As I write to you now, with my less...
Dear Rabbi and Susan, I have a question for you and I hope you can guide me through with ancient wisdom. Let’s say that I have decided to donate a certain portion of my income to charitable causes… So one day while standing in the pharmacy I see a person in need to get medicines...
Huge fan here – Thou Shall Prosper has changed my life, and I continue to be inspired by Ask the Rabbi and Susan’s Musings. My question is, as a follower of God, am I a hypocrite for not wanting to help someone in need? I’ve recently become acquainted with a woman who has severe emotional...
I’ve read a lot of your books, yet didn’t see you ever speak about this particular thing: Reading the Books of Law, I see quite a few mentions about helping out the poor. Not by giveaways, but by lending them what they need (Deut. 15:7-8). It would seem to be logical to give away, But...
Question: What is your philosophy on panhandlers and what would you recommend one do when the city you’re in encourages people to put their money in change machines (they look like parking meters) supposedly for the purpose of helping the poor instead of giving to panhandlers directly? John Answer: Dear John, May we answer the...
Question: I give tzedaka (charity) every month yet there is no blessing. Why? Asher Answer: Dear Asher, All of us sometimes focus on our personal situations and end up missing the bigger picture. We’re sure you know that the blessings that come from being charitable are not in the form of a ‘pay for play’...
Question: I have an ailment affecting daily tasks. My decline causes need for care. The system for this is through Federal assistance, etc. Were I better, I’d never ‘go on the dole’. Yet I am viewed as a taker. Yet, did not my folk put forth that which was placed into the chest so to...
Sunday’s paper had a complimentary article about Richard Stearns, head of the Christian World Vision organization, known for tackling issues of worldwide poverty. It described Mr. Stearns’ transformation as a young man from agnosticism to committed Christianity and how his religious principles spurred him to leave a successful corporate position and use his skills for...
