The Alter Rebbe continues explaining why, after sin, a person needs not only ordinary tzedakah, but a level of kindness that goes beyond the normal measure.
- Human Kindness Has Limits, Hashem’s Does Not
He writes that this unlimited level of kindness is called:
“Chasdei Hashem” (the kindnesses of Hashem).
Although Jews are naturally compassionate and charitable, human compassion is finite. There is only so much a person can give, forgive, or endure.
Hashem, however, is Ein Sof (Infinite), and therefore:
His mercy and kindness are also without limit.
As the verse says:
“For His mercies have not ended.”
- A New Reading of the Verse in Eicha
The prophet Yirmiyahu says after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash:
“Chasdei Hashem ki lo tamnu”
The Alter Rebbe explains this creatively:
Not merely,
“The kindnesses of Hashem have not ended,”
but also:
“Because we are not complete.”
Meaning:
- We are not spiritually perfect.
- We have sins and deficiencies.
- We have created blemishes through our actions.
Therefore we need a form of Divine kindness that exceeds what strict justice would require.
- Why We Need Unlimited Kindness
Since we are imperfect, ordinary measured kindness is not enough.
We must conduct ourselves with generosity and kindness beyond the minimum requirements in order to awaken:
- Divine mercy
- Supernal kindness (Rav Chesed)
- Compassion without limit
from Above.
This follows the principle that human behavior arouses a corresponding Divine response.
- The Connection to Tzedakah
This explains the teaching:
“Israel will be redeemed only through tzedakah.”
The Alter Rebbe’s emphasis is that redemption depends not merely on giving the minimum amount required by law.
Rather, Jews should perform acts of charity and kindness even when they are technically exempt or not legally obligated.
The spirit of generosity itself awakens Hashem’s boundless mercy.
Key Takeaway
The peshat of this passage is that because human beings are imperfect and carry spiritual deficiencies, we need Hashem’s infinite kindness rather than merely measured justice. By practicing generosity and tzedakah beyond the strict minimum, we awaken that boundless Divine mercy, which brings forgiveness, repair, and ultimately redemption.