DEUT752 We are obligated to give charity to the poor. You shall give charity to a poor person. If, however, he does not want to take the money as a present, give it to him as a loan. (Rashi). It is a positive commandment to give charity to the needy with happiness and a good heart. The mitzvah of giving tzedakah (charity) does not only apply to giving aid to the poor. To aid a wealthy person when he needs assistance is also a fulfillment of the mitzvah of tzedakah. Furthermore, whenever you give pleasure to others, whether it be through money, food, or comforting words, you fulfill this mitzvah. The Rambam (Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 9:3) writes that he never saw or heard of a city in which there lived ten Jews that did not have a charity fund. (Chinuch 479). The word the Sages use for charity is tzedakah, which literally means righteousness or justice. The term elucidates the Torah concept of charity. It is not merely a charitable act to give to the poor; it is the obligation of every single person. (Yad Haktanan, Hilchos Daios 8:1) [Transcriber's note: Author discusses Rambam's (Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 10:7-14) eight levels of charity, with numerous examples. Author then provides an extended discussion of the basic laws pertaining to this commandment, with examples.]