Shabbat 58 - 64
- Badge and bell of the slave and animal
- When a vessel loses its status regarding spiritual impurity
- Many uses of a horseshoe
- "Jerusalem of Gold"
- Headbands and other adornments
- The hobnailed shoe and its history
- Which shoe you put on first
- Tefillin and kameia charms
- What a woman cannot carry in the street
- Causes of exile and of poverty
- Weapons and the future of war
- Advice for successful study of Torah
- Beware of dogs
- Headband of the Kohen Gadol
- Ritual impurity of garments
- Feminine headdress
- The vessels of the Midianites
The Best Way to Help
What is the best way to help someone in need?
Some very sage advice on this subject was provided by Rabbi Abba in the name of Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish:
One who lends money to a needy person performs a greater kindness than one who simply gives him charity. Rashi explains that this is so because the recipient does not suffer the shame which accompanies taking a handout.
An even greater kindness is performed by providing the needy person with funds or goods with which to do business and split the profits. As Maharsha explains, this eliminates the danger of embarrassment which can arise when the receiver of the loan is incapable of repaying it when it comes due. By making him a business partner the philanthropic investor provides him with an opportunity to both replay the loan and to support himself.
- Shabbat 63a
What the Sages Say
"If someone planned to do a mitzvah but was prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond his control, he will get credit as if he did it."
- Rabbi Ami
