Open Hands ...Result of Open Hearts

Months ago, I mentioned a book called “G-d’s To-Do List, 103 Ways to Be an Angel and Do G-d’s Work on Earth” written by Ron Wolfson formerly of Omaha.  Tonight I’d like to share a story from that book about giving.  (pages 91-93)

The Torah tells us specifically, “If there is a needy person among you, one of your kinsmen in any of your settlements in the land that the Lord your G-d is giving you, do not harden your heart and shut your hand against your needy kinsman.  Rather, you must open your hand and lend him sufficient for whatever he needs.”  This section of Deuteronomy equates an open hand with an open heart.  Sometimes our hearts become hardened as indicated by the fact that we are indifferent to another who is homeless or struggling to put food on the table.  We peg them as lazy and unmotivated.  Certainly if they just tried, they would be employed like we are.  It isn’t until we look at them as human beings in the truest sense of the word, who are struggling and not feeling good about it, that we can actually give with an open hand knowing that we have increased the sense of worth that individual feels.

These are particularly difficult and lean times for many.  Our Federation has used up most of its local emergency needs funds and it is only August.  We still have 4 more months ahead of us.   With drought conditions all over the country, the cost of food will be rising.  With extreme heat, utility bills are sky-rocketing.  We need to make sure that we do not judge those who come to us for help.  We can be creative about finding solutions for their problems, but only after we make sure that they are eating and having a roof over their heads.  Twice in the past few weeks I have been told, “Just tell the individuals from the Jewish community who are ailing to go to the City Mission.”  Personally, I can’t do that, knowing that we have a Jewish community that can open its hands just by opening its heart.  If you see the appeals in the shavuah tov to help stock our food bank or to help buy grocery cards, please know that by giving you are also getting.  You are getting a sense of having fulfilled one of the greatest mitzvoth you can perform.