“And if he doesn’t have the financial means for two turtledoves or two small pigeons, then he shall bring his offering for his transgression the tenth part of an Ephah of fine flour for a sin offering.”(Vayikra 5:11)
The Chofetz Chayim commented that we learn from this particular verse how the Torah established different requirements for a wealthy person and a poor person. Everyone has an obligation according to his means. A wealthy person is required to give much more than a person who is not wealthy, in the case of the sacrificial offerings, a wealthy person couldn’t just bring turtledoves or pigeons, or even flour, he was obliged to bring a bigger animal like a goat or sheep.
The same is true of our obligation to give tzedakah (charity). Everyone must give 10% of his income in charity. Even a person who lives from charity must give a tenth of what he receives.
The same concept also applies to our talents. The greater your intellect, for instance, the greater your obligation to share your wisdom with others and use it for G-dly purposes.
Everyone to his means and possibilities should always give with open hands and open hearts, for the world goes round and round and the kindness you give today will come back to you at the perfect time.
Some excerpts taken from “Growth Through Torah” by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin
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