The Transformative Power of Charity and Learning in the Divine Realm

Charity and Learning as Lifesavers

Giving charity to the poor saves a person from death because through the mitzvah of tzedakah, light flows from Tiferet to Malchut, thereby adding life to a person. Life is added in two ways: through engaging in Torah and performing acts of charity... The word tzedakah also carries the essence of peace, as indicated in the saying, "The act of tzedakah shall be peace." Rabbi Yossi affirmed: Indeed, as you say, tzedakah is equated with peace, and this mitzvah can save one from death.

(Zohar, Miketz 199, Matok Midvash pg. 224)

Rabbi Akiva Witnesses Charity's Power

It is told of a devout man who regularly gave to charity. Once, while on a ship, strong winds overturned it. Rabbi Akiva intended to testify before the court about this man's death so his wife could remarry. But before he did, the man appeared before Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva asked him, "Are you the one who was lost at sea?" The man replied, "Yes."

He was asked, "What saved you from the sea?"

He answered, "My acts of charity."

When asked how he knew, he said, "As I was sinking, I heard the waves declaring, 'Raise this man from the sea, for he did charity all his life.'"

Rabbi Akiva proclaimed: Blessed is Hashem, God of Israel, who chose the words of the Torah and of the sages, for the Torah and sages are eternal, as it is said - 'Cast your bread upon the waters,' and 'Charity saves from death.'

Deliverance of the Sick

When a person is ill, they face judgment in the heavenly Hall of Strength, known as the Hall of Merit. An angel advocate is appointed to argue on the person's behalf to help them win their case and survive.

Arguments presented may include that this person will accomplish something important for the world or that their death wouldn’t benefit their generation. If so, why should they die prematurely?

Thus, the ill should repent so their sins do not hold back their advocate’s claims, leading the heavenly court to decide for life.

(Zohar, Beshalach 61-61, Matok Midvash pg. 679-681)

The Poor Man's Prayer

"Blessed is he who considers the poor," signifies... that the reward of the afflicted is greater before Hashem due to their suffering, and He listens particularly to the needy... because they are closer to the King than others. Someone with a broken heart, like the poor, is never rejected by Hashem.

Rabbi Shimon adds that all people appear before Hashem in body and soul, while the poor approach only in spirit, their bodies broken. Hashem is closer to one's soul than to the body, making the prayer of the poor more accepted.

(Zohar, Beshalach 61-61, Matok Midvash pg. 681-683)

Poverty as Salvation

One who has sinned, particularly one who has broken the covenant of circumcision and repented, may need to further atone. Hashem spares them from death by assigning poverty instead. A poor person is regarded as though they are dead (Talmud Nedarim 64b).

This is because... as in death, a person's face changes, similarly, a poor person, embarrassed by begging, changes in appearance. Poverty removes from them the deathly grip, and beyond poverty, additional difficulties and pain afflict them to atone, ultimately removing the angel of death's hold.

Not only does poverty save from physical death, but from severe suffering too. "A pauper is like a leper" (Talmud Nedarim); their poverty shields them from illness and severe afflictions.

Just as a leper is said to have "his clothes torn and head bare," so too the poor - ragged and unkempt - wander aimlessly. Thus, poverty serves as a redemption from harsher judgments for Israel.

(According to the Vilna Gaon) (Tikkunei Zohar 66: tikkun 22, Matok Midvash pg. 343)

Whom Does Hashem Banish?

After a person dies, as it is written "Hashem kills"... whom does He kill?

He removes the negative forces clinging to a soul through death. When these forces see Hashem's majesty, they instantly perish, unable to linger upon the soul.

Once these destructive forces vanish, Hashem revives, asking: Whom does He revive? And the answer: The sacred spirit, the soul of holiness. Full existence is restored.

Hashem simultaneously removes the negative and restores the soul.

(Zohar, Balak , Matok Midvash pg. 432)

Wicked Saved from Death

How can a wicked person judged by a severe ailment emerge innocent and recover?

Hashem alone oversees a person’s judgment... seeing their potential for future repentance and righteousness. They are judged favorably.

Or, Hashem perceives they will father a righteous son.

(Zohar, Vayechi 227, Matok Midvash pg. 913)