By Rabbi Yaakov Lieder
If you have 30 seconds:
Throughout my life, I've encountered many givers and many takers, and one thing is clear: Those who give are far happier than those who take. True joy in life comes from giving. As the Torah teaches, “You shall surely give him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; for because of this thing the L-rd, your G-d, will bless you in all your work and in all your endeavours” (Deuteronomy 15:10).
A wise rabbi once shared a story about a wealthy man who approached him, troubled by the absence of joy in his life despite his wealth. The rabbi led him to a window and asked, "What do you see?"
The man replied, "I see people walking on the street."
The rabbi then led him to a mirror and asked, "Now, what do you see?"
The man answered, "I see myself."
The rabbi explained, "The difference between the window and the mirror is just a thin layer of silver. When you focus on others, you see the world, but when silver gets in the way, you see only yourself."
This story underscores a critical truth. Giving is not merely about charity. In Hebrew, the word for charity is tzedakah, which is deeply rooted in the concept of righteousness. Tzedakah is not simply an act of kindness: it is a fundamental duty of justice. It emphasizes that giving is not just a choice or an obligation but the just thing to do. The money and resources we possess are not truly ours; we are merely custodians, entrusted to use them wisely.
Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” When we embrace the custodian mindset, giving becomes easier and far more fulfilling, knowing that we are carrying out our role in the best possible way.
Understanding tzedakah as righteousness rather than mere charity transforms our approach to giving. It reminds us that our resources are not just for our benefit but are meant to serve a higher purpose. In this way, we find greater joy and meaning in life, knowing that our actions contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
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The psychological benefits of giving are well-documented. Studies have shown that people who give to others experience greater happiness, reduced stress, and even improved physical health. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "helper's high," a term coined by psychologists to describe the euphoric feeling that follows acts of kindness. Researchers have found that when we give, our brains release chemicals including endorphins and oxytocin, which promote a sense of connection and well-being.
But the joy of giving goes beyond just the immediate feelings of happiness. It also brings a sense of purpose and meaning to our lives. When we give, we become part of something larger than ourselves. We contribute to the well-being of others and the betterment of society. This, in turn, helps us to find an even deeper sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe often emphasized that teaching children to give tzedakah by giving them their own tzedakah box instils in them the values of charity, responsibility, and empathy from a young age. The Rebbe believed that when children learn to give regularly, they grow up with a deep-seated understanding that they are responsible for helping others as stewards of their resources.
The Torah states, “And you shall rejoice in your Festival—you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite, and the stranger, and the orphan, and the widow, who are within your cities” (Deuteronomy 16:14). True joy is only possible when we are sharing our blessings with those who have less.
In conclusion, the joy of giving is not just a fleeting emotion but a profound and lasting source of happiness. By embracing the concept of tzedakah—giving as an act of righteousness and justice—we can elevate our lives and the lives of others. We move beyond the idea of charity as a choice and embrace it as a moral duty, a responsibility that brings blessings to both the giver and the receiver. In doing so, we fulfill our role as custodians of the resources entrusted to us, and in return, we experience the true joy and purpose that comes from living a life of giving.
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This publication is kindly sponsored by:
Tony & Robin Mitchell
In loving memory of their parents:
Schaindel bat Yitzchak ע"ה
Yeshayahu ben Chaim ע"ה
Avraham Fischel ben Yosef ע"ה
Chana Raizl bat Azriel HaKohen ע"ה
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