📜 Introduction
This synthesis explores the depth of Tsedaka (charity, justice) and its central role in Jewish tradition. We will see how it connects us to divine consolation, protects us from decrees, and opens the gates of life and mercy.
Main sources: Midrash Yalkut Shimoni, Tractate Berakhot, Parperaot laChochma, Zohar, Mishlei (Proverbs).
🤝 "Anokhi Anokhi Hu Menachem" - The Double Consolation
The concept of "I, it is I who console" (Anokhi Anokhi) is central. It is explained in several ways:
- Paternal and maternal consolation: G-d consoles both as a merciful father and a comforting mother. Where the father is merciful, the mother consoles, and vice versa.
- Doubling of the Commandments: The "Anokhi" (I Am) received twice at Sinai (two tablets of the law) symbolizes the double consolation that G-d brings in response.
- Written and Oral Torah: Consolation resides in engagement with the Written Torah and Oral Torah, which are manifestations of the divine presence.
The double mention of "Anokhi" is not a simple repetition, but a profound affirmation of G-d's constant and multiple presence to comfort us in the face of all trials.
♾️ The Secret of the Word "Az" (Then)
The word "Az" (then) in the Scriptures carries deep meaning related to joy and renewal:
- The Divine Robe: The Midrash describes G-d as having a "robe" on which are written all verses containing the word "Az". When Israel sinned, this robe was torn, but it will be restored with the coming of Mashiach.
- Fill the Mouth with Laughter: When G-d dons this robe again, it will be said: "Az Yimaleh Sekhok Pinu" (Then our mouth will be filled with laughter), symbolizing joy and deliverance.
- "One Rides on Seven" (Zohar): The "Az" of the Zohar refers to a ride on seven, suggesting progression and accomplishment.
The "Az" marks a turning point, a moment when pain transforms into joy and abandonment into divine redemption.
⚖️ Divine Forgetting and Memory: The Calf and Sinai
The Gemara in tractate Berakhot addresses divine memory concerning the sin of the Golden Calf and the giving of the Torah at Sinai:
- Forgetting the Golden Calf: G-d promises to forget the sin of the Golden Calf ("Gam Anokhi Eshkach"), thus erasing this fault from His memory to console us.
- Memory of Sinai: However, G-d never forgets the acceptance of the Torah at Sinai ("Anokhi lo eshkakhakh"). It is this eternal covenant that remains engraved.
- The Second Tablets: The Maharsha explains that the second tablets, which contain the word "tov" (good) and were not broken, are the foundation of consolation. They symbolize Israel's capacity to repair and receive divine goodness.
Tsedaka, by its nature of rectification and goodness, is a means to activate this divine memory of "tov" and attract consolation.
🌳 Parallels between Moses and Jeremiah: Lessons of Consolation
The Midrash establishes striking similarities between Moses and the prophet Jeremiah, offering perspectives on repentance and consolation:
- Prophets for 40 years: Moses led for 40 years, Jeremiah prophesied for 40 years.
- Writing 5 Books: Moses wrote the 5 books of the Torah, Jeremiah wrote the 5 chapters of Megillat Eikha (Lamentations).
- Thrown into Waters / Pit: Moses was thrown into the Nile (river), Jeremiah into a pit.
- Structure of Megillat Eikha: Although it has only 5 chapters, its alphabetical structure and chapter 3 with 66 verses (3 verses per letter) suggest it could have been in 7 chapters, as the Torah was sometimes divided into 7 sections.
These parallels underscore a cycle of rebuke, destruction, and constant hope of consolation. Tsedaka can be seen as an act of repair in this cycle.
✨ Everything is for the Good: "Gam Zu LeTova"
The wisdom of our Rabbis, notably Rabbi Akiva, teaches us that even in adversity, everything is orchestrated for the good:
- Rabbi Akiva's donkey, rooster and candle: An incident where Rabbi Akiva's possessions were lost, but this saved him from imminent danger in the city. He realized afterward that "everything is for the good".
- The sunken ship: A thorn in the foot prevents a man from taking a ship that will sink later. If he hadn't learned that the ship sank, he wouldn't have seen the apparent "good".
- Loss of money and bankruptcy: A man loses a 2 million contract, but the company goes bankrupt, and he sells his merchandise for 5 million. The initial misfortune was a disguised salvation.
Tsedaka is an act of trust in divine providence, a means to transform the perception of apparent evil into revealed good.
🔑 Tsedaka – The Perfect Consolation
Tsedaka is much more than simple material aid; it is a mechanism of divine consolation:
- Filling the Void: Facing loss of money or pain, consolation is not just words ("May the Almighty fill your void"), but the concrete action of Tsedaka that helps fill this void, both material and spiritual.
- The World of Trials: "This world is called the meadow of trials." Every person goes through difficulties. G-d will show us that every misfortune was for our good.
- Divine Revelation: In reward for our integrity and commitment, G-d will reveal that all the trials we went through were for our good, our benefit. This is perfect consolation.
Tsedaka is the practical manifestation of our faith that G-d transforms our difficulties into opportunities for growth and salvation, offering us complete and profound consolation.
🧭 To Remember
- Overcoming passivity: The action of Tsedaka takes us out of inertia and actively engages us in our own consolation and that of others.
- Tsedaka as prayer: Giving Tsedaka is a form of prayer, a means to open the heavens and attract divine mercy.
- Trust in G-d: Tsedaka strengthens our Emunah (faith) that G-d manages everything for the good, even if we don't understand it immediately.
1. Daily Tsedaka
Place a Tsedaka coin every morning before starting your day, even symbolically.
2. Support a Talmid Chacham
Contribute to supporting a Torah student, even modestly, to participate in study and attract blessing.
3. Discreet Generosity
Seek an opportunity to give Tsedaka discreetly, without letting the left hand know what the right is doing.
4. Learn about "Consolation"
Reread passages on divine consolation or listen to a class on the subject to strengthen your faith in providence.
5. Share Wisdom
Share a teaching on Tsedaka or consolation with a friend or family member, to inspire action.
6. Reflect on "Hidden Good"
Take a moment to reflect on a difficult situation in your life and try to perceive how G-d orchestrated a hidden good in it.
English synthesis version. According to the teachings of the Sages.