Re’eh (ראה – see), Deuteronomy 11:26 to 16:17 and Isaiah 54:11-55:5
Moses places before the Bnei Yisrael the blessing or the curse, depending on their obedience to divine laws. He specifies that the Jewish people must distinguish themselves from idolatrous nations. He also emphasizes the importance of tithing, being generous to the poor, orphans, and widows, freeing slaves, and celebrating pilgrimage festivals.
Deuteronomy 15:11
כִּי לֹא-יֶחְדַּל אֶבְיוֹן, מִקֶּרֶב הָאָרֶץ;
עַל-כֵּן אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ, לֵאמֹר,
פָּתֹחַ תִּפְתַּח אֶת-יָדְךָ לְאָחִיךָ לַעֲנִיֶּךָ וּלְאֶבְיֹנְךָ, בְּאַרְצֶךָ.
For the poor shall never cease out of the land;
therefore I command thee, saying:
Thou shalt surely open thy hand unto thy poor and needy brother, in thy land.
Founded in 1788 in Belarus by Rabbi Schneur Zalman1 of Liadi, Colel Chabad is the oldest Jewish charitable organization still in operation. From its inception, aid centers were established in Jerusalem and Sfat to materially support the poorest Jews living in the Holy Land, then under Ottoman rule. Since its creation, Colel Chabad has significantly expanded its activities. Today, the organization manages a vast network including community kitchens, food banks, clinics, daycare centers for children, and aid programs for widows and orphans. It is particularly active in Israel and also has a global impact.
1 Schneur Zalman of Liadi (Belarus, 1745-1812), known as the Alter Rebbe, is the founder of the ‘Habad-Lubavitch movement. He is also known for his major work, the Tanya, which integrates mysticism and ethical principles. The term “Tanya” comes from Aramaic and means “teaching.”
