Urban Tzedakah Values, Rabbi Aaron Levy (Part 2 of 2)

One who comes and says, "Feed me," we don't investigate to see if he is deceiving, rather we feed him immediately. If he were naked and comes and says, "Clothe me," we investigate to see if he is deceiving. [AJWS translation]

R. Eleazar said: Come let us be grateful to the rogues for were it not for them, we would have been sinning every day, for it is said in Scripture, And he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it will be guilt unto thee.

If a poor person comes and asks according to his or her need and the giver cannot afford to give, the giver should give according to his ability. And how much is that? The greatest way to fulfill this commandment is to give up to one fifth of your wealth. The average way to fulfill this commandment is to give 10% of your wealth. Less than this is considered an evil eye. One should never give less than 1/3 of a shekel in a year, and anyone who gives less than this has not fulfilled the commandment. Even a poor person who is supported by tzedakah is obligated to give tzedakah to another. [AJWS translation]

Every person is obligated to give tzedakah, even a poor person who is supported by tzedakah is obligated to give from that which others give him. And one who gives less than is appropriate to give, the court used to coerce him and whip him lashes of rebellion until he gives what they assessed him to give, and they descend on his property in front of him and take from him that which is appropriate for him to give.