Therefore, my beloved ones, my brethren: Direct your hearts to these words which are expressed very briefly,

Therefore, my beloved ones, my brethren: Direct your hearts to these words which are expressed very briefly,

After greetings of life and peace, 1may my opening words rouse2 “the ear that hears the life-giving admonition”

After greetings of life and peace, 1may my opening words rouse2 “the ear that hears the life-giving admonition”

Even commandments that involve a man’s spirit, such as awe and love [of G‑d], are also of limited measure,15 and by no means of infinite extent.

Even commandments that involve a man’s spirit, such as awe and love [of G‑d], are also of limited measure,15 and by no means of infinite extent.

However, this [limitation on charity] applies only to one who observes the Torah and does not depart from it to the right or left, even as much as a hair’s-breadth.

However, this [limitation on charity] applies only to one who observes the Torah and does not depart from it to the right or left, even as much as a hair’s-breadth.

And this is the meaning of the verse,37 “G‑d prefers tzedakah and justice38 over offerings,”

And this is the meaning of the verse,37 “G‑d prefers tzedakah and justice38 over offerings,”