This letter is a direct appeal for continued support of the poor, especially those in Eretz Yisrael. The Alter Rebbe addresses a real concern: many people are themselves struggling financially and therefore feel justified in reducing their charitable giving.
His response is both practical and halachic.
- The Alter Rebbe Recognizes the Economic Hardship
He begins sympathetically:
âIt is not hidden from me that times are difficult.â
He knows that:
- Livelihood has become harder.
- Many people are financially strained.
- Some are literally borrowing money to survive.
This is not a theoretical discussion. He fully acknowledges the reality of poverty among his own followers.
- Yet He Criticizes the Reduction of Tzedakah
Despite these difficulties, he says:
âThey are not doing well for their souls.â
Because some people have begun withholding the charitable support that they used to give generously.
The concern is not luxury projects or optional causes.
Rather, he is speaking about:
The essential needs of poor and innocent people who depend on the community.
- âIf We Donât Have Mercy, Who Will?â
The Alter Rebbe asks:
If we do not have compassion on them, who will?
He cites the verse:
â××× ×××× ×˘××â
âYour brother shall live with you.â
The Torah obligates us to be concerned about another Jewâs ability to live.
- What About âYour Life Comes Firstâ?
Someone might answer with the famous rule:
â×××× ×§×××××â
âYour life comes first.â
The Alter Rebbe argues that many people are misapplying this principle.
- The Original Case of âYour Life Comes Firstâ
The rule comes from the case discussed by Chazal:
Two people are in the desert.
There is only enough water for one person to survive.
In that case:
Your own life takes precedence.
Because both people are facing the identical life-or-death situation.
- But That Is Not the Typical Case
The Alter Rebbe says that this principle does not justify maintaining comforts while another person lacks necessities.
His examples of the poor personâs needs are:
- Bread
- Fuel
- Clothing
- Basic survival needs
These are genuine necessities.
- Necessities vs. Comforts
He contrasts these necessities with things such as:
- Fine clothing
- Large family meals
- Meat and fish
- Delicacies
His point is sharp:
The poor personâs bread and warmth are more urgent than another personâs comforts and luxuries.
- âYour Life Comes Firstâ Does Not Apply Here
Why?
Because:
The wealthy personâs comforts are not equivalent to the poor personâs survival needs.
The Gemaraâs rule applies when the needs are truly equal.
Here they are not.
The poor person needs the money for basic life.
The donor is often protecting a higher standard of living.
These are not comparable situations.
The Main Message
The Alter Rebbe is not demanding that a person neglect his own legitimate needs.
Rather, he argues that one cannot invoke:
â×××× ×§×××××â
to justify spending generously on personal comforts while another Jew lacks food, clothing, or other essentials.
Key Takeaway
The central point of this letter is that economic hardship does not remove the obligation to care for the poor. The principle of âyour life comes firstâ applies only when both people face the same life-and-death need. It does not justify preferring personal comfort and luxury over another personâs basic necessities. Therefore, even in difficult times, one must keep his hand open to support those who truly depend upon him.