The Kaminker Rebbe once resolved to devote a whole day to reciting Psalms. Towards evening, he was still reciting when a messenger came to tell him that his mentor, the Maggid of Tzidnov, wanted to see him. The rebbe said he would comes as soon as he was finished, but the messenger returned, saying that the Maggid insisted that he come immediately. When he arrived, the Maggid asked him why he had delayed. The rebbe explained that he had been reciting Psalms. The Maggid told him that he had summoned the rebbe to collect money for a poor person in need. He continued: 'Psalms can be sung by angels, but only human being can help the poor. Charity is greater than reciting Psalms, because angels cannot perform charity.' (Hassidic tale)
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. What does this tell us about action vs. study/praise?
2. This story equates humans and angels and in a sense, places humans above angels. What do you think of this?
3. The Maggid's logic for why charity is greater than reciting Psalms is because of the angels' inability to do so. Does this logic make sense to you? What is the real rationale?
Time Period: Contemporary (The Yom Kippur War until the present-day)