Bava Batra 9: More on Giving Tzedaka

The rabbis wonder who can be trusted with which communal responsibilities; who can be trusted at their word.  Do we check the credentials of those who ask for food but not of those who ask for clothing?  Rav Huna says that the latter would be embarrassing.  Verses are suggested to prove this claim.  However, Rav Yehuda says that one feeds hungry people quickly because they are feeling physical pain, unlike a naked person waiting for clothing.  We are told to "look over" a naked person before giving him/her clothing.  

The Gemara breaks down how much food should be provided to a poor person who is going door to door to collect food.  We are told that s/he should receive a quarter of a kav, six egg-bulks, daily.  If this person stays overnight, s/he is provided with a bed and bedding, as well.  The rabbis argue about how much a poor person should be allowed to take from the charity plate or the charity fund if s/he is also taking from individuals by walking from door to door.  Rav Yeimar reminds us that we must set the example for others and always give to the poor.

Rav Asi teaches that the mitzva of tzedaka is equal to all other mitzvot together.  Rabbi Elazar teaches that encouraging others to give tzedaka is even greater than giving tzedaka oneself.

when a person does not give the tzedaka that s/he is required to give, their money may be taken by force.  even if one gives money to the romans, one fulfills the mitzvah of tzedaka.  We are told that Rava begged the people of Mechuza to give tzedaka to each other so that the mitzva of tzedaka would be performed to perfection.  Rabbi Elazar teaches that we used the annual half-shekel to atone for our sins when the temple was standing.  since the temple was destroyed, we give tzedaka to atone for our sins.

We learn from Rav Sheishet that each peruta of tzedaka joined together will add up to a large amount. we learn about the origins of Rav Sheishet's name.  And Rav Sheishet teaches about the transfer of ritual impurity.  one of his teachings includes the fact that when he renders his clothing tamei, he renders people who touch him tamei as well.   The Gemara moves into a discussion about transferring ritual impurity.  not every source of ritual impurity is transferred from person to person.  for example, if one touches a dead animal, he and his clothing are tamei, but he does not transmit ritual impurity.

Rav Sheishet and Rav Achdevu'i argued these points.  Rav Achdevui became excited and angry, which led to Rav Sheishet feeling faint.  Rav Achdevu'i then stopped speaking; he forgot his learning.  Rav Shisha’s mother pled with her son to pray for Rav Achdevu'i.  somehow this included her showing her breasts - Rav Sheishet got his nickname, which means "he who caused his mother to behave irrationally".  

Back to tzedaka:

•   Rebbi Elazar teaches that one who gives tzedaka discreetly dispels "Af" and "Chisda",

    the two destructive angels whom Moshe Rabbeinu was afraid of and could not dismiss.  

•   Bribery brings on the wrath of G-d on the world

•   Rabbi Yitzchak teaches that one who gives a peruta to a poor person is blessed with six 

    brachot; five additional brachot are given if the giver appeases the poor person as well

•   Rabbi Yitzchak teaches that giving tzedaka will allow one to be granted the means with 

    which to give further

•   Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak adds that G-d will provide decent poor people to whom we 

    should give, allowing us to receive the full reward for our mitzva of tzedaka.