Igeres Hakodesh 21
13th Tishreiy
📘 Title:
The Urgency of Charity: Zerizut in Supporting the Holy Land
🧾 Overview:
This heartfelt appeal encourages consistent and enthusiastic financial support for the residents of Eretz Yisrael. It emphasizes the spiritual importance of giving regularly—weekly, monthly, or annually—and highlights the supreme value of zerizut (alacrity) in fulfilling mitzvot, especially tzedakah. Drawing inspiration from Avraham Avinu’s joyful and swift obedience during the Akeidah, the piece calls on donors to emulate that eagerness in their own giving. It concludes by underscoring the protective power of charity, both in this world and beyond.
🕊️ Greeting the Righteous
The message opens with a blessing to those who love God’s name and support His holy land, acknowledging their annual contributions and encouraging them to continue with strength and consistency.
💸 Strengthening the Hands of Givers
It urges donors to give not only yearly, but also weekly or monthly, to ensure steady support for the residents of Eretz Yisrael. Even voluntary gifts without formal pledges are praised as acts of righteousness.
⚡ The Power of Zerizut
Zerizut—acting swiftly in mitzvot—is a central theme. The sages taught to always be early in fulfilling commandments, and Avraham Avinu exemplified this through his immediate response to God’s command at the Akeidah.
🔥 Avraham’s Joyful Obedience
Avraham’s greatness lay not just in his willingness to sacrifice, but in his eagerness and joy to fulfill God’s will. This trait became a model for all mitzvah observance.
💎 Tzedakah Above All
Among all mitzvot, tzedakah stands supreme. It protects from death and suffering, as the verse says, “Tzedakah saves from death.” The piece encourages early and frequent giving, reminding us that judgment occurs daily.
🪙 Takeaway
Give with joy, give with speed, and give consistently. Charity is not just a mitzvah—it’s a shield, a blessing, and a way to bring comfort to the Creator and merit to yourself.
