What does the Rambam teach about the mitzvah of tzedakah?
What does the Rambam teach about the mitzvah of tzedakah?
The Rambam teaches that it is a positive commandment to give charity to the poor among the Jewish people, according to what is appropriate for the poor person [5]. He also explains that there is a tithe given to the poor, called the tithe for the poor, which is separated from the land's produce [2]. Additionally, the Rambam states that in every city where Jews live, they are obligated to appoint trustees of a charitable fund to collect and allocate money to the poor [4].
Sources
- Igrot Kodesh, Letter 689 — Tzedakah — By the grace of Hashem, 23 Menachem Av 5710, To the distinguished Chassid*, who fears Hashem, Rav D. [1], Greetings and blessings, I reply…
- Mishneh Torah, Matanot Aniyim 6 — There is a sixth present 1 I.e., in addition to leket, peret, ollelot, shichichah , and peah (Radbaz). [awarded] to the poor from the land'…
- Igrot Kodesh, Letter 5878 — Tzedakah — B"H 26 Marcheshvan* 5718 Brooklyn To the Rav*, the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem and devotes himself to communal needs, Rav Peret…
- Mishneh Torah, Matanot Aniyim 9 — In every city where Jews live, they are obligated to appoint faithful, 1 See Chapter 10, the conclusion of Halachah 8. men of renown as tru…
- Mishneh Torah, Matanot Aniyim 7 — It is a positive commandment to give charity 1 Sefer HaMitzvot (positive commandment 195) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 479) include this co…
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