In the previous section, the Alter Rebbe argued that even according to strict halachah, one cannot use “your life comes first” to justify preserving comforts while another Jew lacks basic necessities.
Now he advances an even stronger argument:
Even where the strict letter of the law might exempt a person, a Jew should strive to go beyond strict justice.
- Do Not Build Your Life Around the Minimum Requirement
The Alter Rebbe writes:
A person should not be overly exacting in insisting on his strict legal rights.
Instead, he should be willing:
“להיכנס לפנים משורת הדין“
To go beyond the letter of the law.
This means accepting some personal hardship rather than refusing assistance to those who are suffering.
- The Danger of Being Overly Exacting
He refers to the Chazal that warn:
One who is excessively strict in protecting his own interests may ultimately suffer similarly himself.
The simple point is:
A Jew should not build his relationship with others exclusively on technical entitlement.
- We All Depend Upon Heavenly Mercy
The Alter Rebbe then moves to a deeper argument.
Every person constantly needs:
רחמי שמים (Heavenly mercy).
No one survives purely on what he deserves.
Since we all need mercy from Above, we must show mercy below.
- Human Mercy Awakens Divine Mercy
The Alter Rebbe relies on a recurring theme throughout Iggeret HaKodesh:
איתערותא דלתתא
An awakening from below creates an awakening above.
When a person shows compassion to those in need,
he arouses Divine compassion toward himself.
- The Opposite Is Also True
Therefore,
when a person suppresses his compassion and hardens his heart,
he causes a corresponding constriction above.
The Alter Rebbe’s point is not merely moral but spiritual:
The way a person behaves toward others influences the way Divine providence is manifested toward him.
- Nobody Is Perfect
The next argument is straightforward:
“אין אדם צדיק בארץ אשר יעשה טוב ולא יחטא“
No one is free of shortcomings.
Since everyone needs forgiveness and Divine kindness,
everyone needs the protective power that comes from tzedakah.
- Tzedakah Is Protection and Healing
The Alter Rebbe reminds his readers:
Tzedakah protects and atones.
Therefore it is not merely helping others.
It is also:
“רפואת הגוף והנפש ממש“
A healing for body and soul.
Giving tzedakah is therefore not a loss but an investment in one’s own spiritual and even physical well-being.
- Tzedakah Is a Loan to Hashem
He cites the verse:
“מלווה ה’ חונן דל“
“One who is gracious to the poor lends to Hashem.”
When supporting the poor, a person is not simply giving away money.
He is, as it were, lending it to Hashem, Who guarantees repayment.
- Unique Among Mitzvot
The Alter Rebbe notes that Chazal teach that although the primary reward for mitzvot is not received in this world,
tzedakah is different.
Because it directly benefits other people,
its blessing often returns already in this world.
- Don’t Separate Yourself from a Mitzvah
He concludes with another warning.
When others are joining together for a mitzvah,
and a person deliberately excludes himself,
there is spiritual danger in remaining outside that collective merit.
Thus participation in communal tzedakah carries special importance.
Key Takeaway
The Alter Rebbe’s central message is that a Jew should not limit himself to the bare minimum demanded by law. Since all people constantly depend on Hashem’s compassion, they must show compassion to others. Tzedakah not only sustains the poor, but also awakens Heavenly mercy, protects a person from judgment, serves as a form of atonement, and brings blessing both in this world and the next.