רמב"ם הלכות מתנות עניים פרק ז:ג
לפי מה שחסר העני אתה מצווה ליתן לו, אם אין לו כסות מכסים אותו, אם אין לו כלי בית קונין לו...ומצווה אתה להשלים חסרונו ואין אתה מצווה לעשרו.
You are commanded to provide the needy with whatever they lack. If they lack clothing, you must clothe them. If they lack household goods, you must provide them...You are commanded to fulfill all their needs, though not required to make them wealthy.
[translation by AJWS]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1) What does this text teach us about our obligation to provide for those in need?
2) What social justice themes emerge from this text?
3) What do you do when you feel you are being asked for more than you can give?
Time Period: Medieval (Geonim through the 16th Century)