DEUT1407 Undoubtedly the first reason we think of helping the poor is sheer compassion for someone in need. Although each of us can feel compassion for others simply as a function of empathy, a sense that we could easily be in the same position, the Torah finds a special reason that Jews must have compassion for those in need--namely, that we Jews were in Egypt and should know how it feels to be completely without resources. We should therefore treat others as we would want to be treated if we were in such a destitute position. [Deuteronomy 24:17-18, 21-22).