Discreet Tzedaka

by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto

 "When you lend money to My people, to the poor person who is with you" [Mishpatim 22:24]

The word 'עמך', who is with you, seems to be superfluous?

The sefer 'Lekutei Hamelitz', written by Rabbi Meir Laniado zt"l, offers a beautiful explanation: The Gemara says [Chagigah 5a], that one who gives charity to the poor must do so secretly. However, one who lends money to his friend, should do so specifically in the presence of witnesses, for if not, he transgresses the prohibition of, "You shall not place a stumbling block before the blind", for the borrower may forget about the loan and deny that he borrowed money.

The precise wording of the verse expresses this idea clearly: 'עם כסף תלוה את עמי', when you lend money to My people, meaning if you lend money to your friend, you should do so with 'עמי', meaning in front of witnesses. But if you are donating charity to the poor, this should be carried out discreetly, which is implied by the wording, 'את העני עמך', specifically 'with you', and not in front of others.