An Open Hand - An Open Heart Re'eh

This morning at Breakfast & a Class, we explored one of the Torah’s most challenging mitzvot—not simply giving tzedakah, but learning how to give with an open heart. Beginning with the powerful verses in Parashat Re’eh, we examined the Torah’s remarkable order: first, “Do not harden your heart,” and only afterward, “Do not close your hand.” Through the teachings of Chazal and the wisdom of Rabbi Asher Abittan זצ״ל, we discovered that Judaism asks not only what we give, but who we are while we are giving. The class centers around a very personal experience that took place immediately after a Sunday morning shiur, when a chance encounter outside the synagogue became the continuation of the lesson itself. Together we explore what Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, the Brisker Rav, and the Gemara in Bava Batra teach us about restoring dignity, offering encouragement, and recognizing the image of HaShem in every person we meet. Sometimes the greatest act of kindness is not opening our wallet—it is opening our heart.