A Network of Charity
I remember the first time I donated a sizeable donation to tzedakah. I was already living in France when a poor man pleaded with me to help him marry off his daughter. Up until that time, I was used to offering small donations to those who asked. I had intended to do the same in this case, as well. Suddenly, I was struck by a thought. What if I were in his place and would have to depend on others in order to marry off my daughter? I overcame my natural instincts and handed the man a considerable sum of money.
I can attest about myself that since that day, I have merited giving large sums of money to charity and have never felt the lack.
In this world, we are the channels through which Hashem sends money to those in need. We can be a narrow pipeline, through whom small sums are transferred, and accrue minor merits, or we can be a wide conduit, through whom Hashem sends vast amounts. The merit for this type of charity is immeasurable.
