TEACHINGS ABOUT CHARITY

Having decided to present teachings about charity in sections preceding the chapters of the Book of Exodus, one must begin by saying what is meant by 'the neighbour' since it is the neighbour towards whom charity should be exercised. For unless people have a right understanding of who 'the neighbour is, charity will be exercised uniformly and indiscriminately, equally towards the evil as towards the good, as a result of which charity ceases to be charity. For with the benefits conferred on them the wicked harm the neighbour whereas the good benefit him.