Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 16:17 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 16:17 teaches that when bringing offerings or giving charity, a person should give according to their financial ability, based on the blessings they have received from Hashem. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes proportionality—one should give generously but within their means, reflecting gratitude for what G-d has provided.
Q: Why is giving according to one's ability important in Judaism?
A: Giving according to one's ability is a fundamental Jewish value because it balances generosity with responsibility. The Rambam (Maimonides) discusses in Hilchot Matnot Aniyim that while charity is a mitzvah, one should not impoverish themselves to fulfill it. This verse reinforces that Hashem expects us to give sincerely, based on our individual circumstances.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 16:17 apply to charity (tzedakah) today?
A: This verse serves as a guiding principle for tzedakah (charity) in Jewish life today. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 248) rules that one should give between 10-20% of their income to charity, depending on their financial stability. The verse reminds us that while generosity is praiseworthy, our contributions should align with our blessings and not cause undue hardship.
Q: What can we learn from 'according to the blessing of Hashem' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'according to the blessing of Hashem' teaches us to recognize that all wealth comes from G-d. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that our giving should reflect gratitude for what we have, not resentment or pride. It reminds us that material blessings are entrusted to us to use wisely, including sharing with others in need.
Q: Does this verse only refer to Temple offerings, or does it apply to other forms of giving?
A: While the immediate context refers to pilgrimage offerings (brought during festivals like Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot), the Talmud (Chagigah 7a) and later halachic authorities extend this principle to all forms of giving, including tzedakah and voluntary donations. The underlying message—giving proportionally based on G-d's blessings—applies universally in Jewish practice.
General Interpretation
The verse (Devarim 16:17) teaches that each individual should give according to their means, in proportion to the blessings they have received from Hashem. This principle applies to various forms of giving, including tzedakah (charity), korbanot (offerings), and other mitzvot that require financial contribution.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the phrase "כְּמַתְּנַת יָדוֹ" ("as he is able") means that one should give according to their financial capacity. He emphasizes that this is not a fixed amount but varies based on each person's situation. Rashi also connects this to the mitzvah of aliyah l'regel (pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the festivals), where one must bring offerings commensurate with their means.
Rambam's Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 7:5), the Rambam codifies this principle regarding tzedakah, stating that one should give according to their financial ability. He notes that even a poor person who receives tzedakah must still give from what they have, as the verse teaches that giving is relative to one's blessings.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) links this verse to the concept of gratitude. Since all blessings come from Hashem, one should demonstrate hakarat hatov (recognition of the good) by giving generously. The Midrash also teaches that Hashem rewards generosity by increasing one's wealth, as implied in the phrase "כְּבִרְכַּת יְהוָה" ("according to the blessing of Hashem").
Halachic Application
Spiritual Lesson
The verse underscores that material blessings are entrusted to us by Hashem to fulfill mitzvot. By giving generously, we acknowledge that everything we have is from Hashem and demonstrate our commitment to using wealth for sacred purposes. This aligns with the teaching in Pirkei Avot (3:8) that "tzedakah and acts of kindness are the pillars of the world."