Sefer HaMiddot, Charity, Part II/ספר המדות·צדקה·חלק שני

1Sexual immorality leads to incarceration or pain in one’s legs. A student who, despite being unqualified, instructs others, will also be punished with one of these afflictions, and he will be placed at the mercy of harmful forces. Giving charity is a segulah for nullifying these afflictions.

2Studying Torah, giving tithes, and observing Shabbat provide material benefits as well.

3By giving charity, a person can defeat his enemies through minimal means [and effort], as God will save him from even their greatest means [and effort].

4Helping a Torah scholar nullifies the dictates of the stars and constellations.

5The merit of those who support the poor saves the masses from plague. Also in their merit, expanded consciousness precedes [rather than follows] constricted consciousness.

6Giving charity mitigates the harsh judgment destined for the Future, that is, for the Day of Judgment in the future to come.

7There are those whose acts of kindness sometimes have a negative effect. This corresponds to the warning given to the Kohanim— who personify the aspect of lovingkindness—not to take large steps [while performing the Temple service]. When people pretend not to see the harm brought on by their kindness, they cause the harsh judgment from on high to be without moderation. The inverse is also true. When care is taken that no harm comes from their kindness, it fosters moderation in the judgment.

8Those who would reveal original Torah insights must study the Codifiers beforehand and then again afterwards. This study of Torah law will protect their insights from foreign influences. The same procedure should also be followed when a person wants to performs some act of charity.

9Originating Torah insights arouses the giving of charity, and vice versa.

10So great is the power of tithing that it can turn a curse into a blessing.

11Tithing eliminates immoral thoughts.

12A person whose deeds are filled with kindness has no need of ancestral merit.

13Doing favors for others brings a person long life.

14Certain prayers are accepted on high only after sufficient money, equivalent to the number of letters in the relevant prayer, is given to charity. For example, when a person prays, “Give me children,” he must contribute the sum equal to the letters of these very words.

15By giving charity one merits having children.

16Whoever provides support for many people draws a blessing from the Land of Israel to the Diaspora.

17One who gives charity to the poor people of the Land of Israel will prosper monetarily.

18When a person moves to a new place, he should distribute meat to the poor inhabitants there. Doing so will earn him favor in the eyes of the town’s officials.

19Giving Shekalim saves a person from the evil inclination.