Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 15:8 mean about helping others?
A: Deuteronomy 15:8 teaches the mitzvah (commandment) of tzedakah (charity) by instructing us to 'open your hand wide' to those in need. According to Rashi, this means we must give generously and willingly, not just the bare minimum. The verse emphasizes lending 'sufficient for his need,' meaning we should assess what the person truly lacks and help accordingly.
Q: Why is lending money considered a mitzvah in Judaism?
A: Lending money to those in need is a great mitzvah because it helps sustain someone without causing shame (unlike outright charity in some cases). The Rambam (Maimonides) lists lending as a high level of tzedakah in his 'Ladder of Charity.' Deuteronomy 15:8 highlights this by commanding us to lend 'sufficient for his need,' showing that supporting others financially is a Torah obligation.
Q: How much should I give according to Deuteronomy 15:8?
A: The verse says to give 'sufficient for his need'—meaning we must assess what the person truly lacks. The Talmud (Ketubot 67b) explains that if someone needs food, we provide food; if they need household items, we supply those. The amount isn't fixed, but the principle is to give enough to relieve their hardship. However, Jewish law generally sets a baseline of giving at least 10% of one's income to charity.
Q: Does this verse only apply to money, or other types of help too?
A: While the verse mentions lending, the mitzvah extends beyond money. The Talmud (Bava Batra 9b) teaches that 'opening your hand' includes giving advice, comfort, or any form of assistance someone lacks. The Sages emphasize that 'sufficient for his need' means addressing whatever the person is missing—whether financial, emotional, or practical support.
Q: What if I'm not sure if someone really needs help?
A: The Torah encourages us to judge favorably and give the benefit of the doubt. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that we should not scrutinize the poor excessively—if someone asks for help, we should assist them within reason. However, if there are legitimate concerns about misuse of funds, Jewish law permits giving in a way that ensures the help is used properly (e.g., providing food instead of cash).
Obligation of Tzedakah (Charity) in Jewish Law
The verse (Devarim 15:8) commands us to "open your hand wide" to the needy and lend them "sufficient for his need." This establishes a fundamental mitzvah of tzedakah in Jewish tradition. Rashi explains that the double language of "פתח תפתח" (open, you shall open) emphasizes the requirement to give generously and repeatedly, not just once.
Levels of Giving According to Halacha
Philosophical Dimensions from Jewish Thought
The Sforno teaches that this mitzvah reminds us that all wealth ultimately belongs to Hashem, and we are merely custodians. The repetition of "open" teaches that we must open both our hands and our hearts - giving cheerfully without resentment.
Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:2) famously enumerates eight levels of tzedakah, with the highest being helping someone become self-sufficient through loans or business partnerships, directly connected to our verse's instruction to provide "sufficient for his need."