The Prayers of the Charitable Printed with permission from "The Chesed Boomerang" by Jack Doueck www.judaicapress.com Rabbi Tanhuma (bar Abba), who lived in Israel in the fifth century, used to declare public fasts when there was a drought. Once, after many fasts, the rains still did not fall. Rabbi Tanhuma then addressed the public: "My sons, fill yourselves with compassion for each other and the Holy One will fill Himself with compassion for you." People began giving charity to the poor. They witnessed a man giving money to his ex-wife. The man told Rabbi Tanhuma: (Even though it was a difficult divorce and I have many hard feelings), "I saw that she was suffering, and I was filled with compassion for her." Rabbi Tanhuma raised his face toward Heaven and declared: "Master of the Universe, this man has no obligation toward the woman, yet he saw her suffering and was filled with compassion for her. You, about Whom it is written, 'merciful and gracious', and we are Your children, the sons of Your beloved ones, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, how much more so should You be filled with mercy for us?" Immediately thereafter, the Midrash (Genesis Rabah 33:3) relates, the rains began to fall in the land of Israel. The Talmud (Yevamot 63a) promises: "Anyone who lends to the poor in his time of need will be blessed with the verse in Isaiah (58:9): "Then you will call and God will answer." Return to 'Our Tradition' Menu