Consideration For The Poor

(Picture by Jack Klein)

Excerpt from Tales From Our Gaonim by Rabbi Sholom Klass:

Once a wealthy man who was known to be a miser, came to the Degel Machaneh Ephraim and boasted how he was able to subsist on a piece of black bread, some herring and onions.

The Degel became angry and he reprimanded the rich man. "You are committing a sin when you eat such a meager meal," he said. "A person of our means who was blessed by G-d with great wealth, should eat a sumptuous meal every day. A meal consisting of meat, fish, wine, and all the delicacies."

When the Degel's disciples heard this they asked their rabbi, "Rabbi, why were you so concerned with the meals of this miser? Does it matter to others what he eats?"

"It isn't him about whom I am thinking," replied the Degel with a smile. "I am thinking of the poor who have to come to him for tzedakah. If he is accustomed to eat meat and fish every day, he would then realize what it means to go without it. He will have more consideration of the poor and give them bigger donations."