Even though there are many problems that affects South African society, I have decided to chose poverty in South Africa, i chose this topic as I would like to find out more on what the Torah says about how you must adress this problem. Charity is a fundamental part of the Torah way of life, in the Torah we are instructed to give at least 10% of our earnings to charity.Giving charity is an almost instinctive Jewish response to express thanks to G-D and to ask for forgiveness, giving Tzedakah is regarded as a such huge Mitzvah that by giving to the poor, the poor person is actually doing the person given the Tzedakah a favor by allowing them to do the Mitzvah. In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act but an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty, giving the poor their due.
The Jewish concept of charity is concerned with the dignity of the recipient. No one should feel beholden to another, or in any way ashamed to receive. In fact, it is sinful for a Jew to refuse charity if they are truly in need. Rabbi's believe the message in Torah for us to give Tzedakah but to not expect anything in return, they believe you should rather give the person in need a job and help them get back on their feet rather than just giving them money.
In the source of Nedarim 9:3 it says 'You shall love your fellow as yourself' , this is very important as it shows us that you must love,care and respect another as you would love,care and respect yourself. You must give people the equal amount of love and respect that you would expect from other people.
Devarim 15:7-11
(7) If, however, there is a needy person among you, one of your kinsmen in any of
your settlements in the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not harden your
heart and shut your hand against your needy kinsman.
8) Rather, you must open your hand and lend him sufficient for whatever he needs
(9) Beware lest...