Jews have been synonymous with charity since the formative days of the nation. Our father Abraham had four doors on his tent, one on each side, so that passersby from all sides would enter and feel welcome. Throughout our long history, each town that housed a Jewish community has had a special charity fund and numerous free-loan societies to help those in need.

This week’s portion introduces another form of charity; helping someone before he becomes totally dependent on others. If one sees that someone’s business has fallen on hard times he can extend a loan, or offer his new strategies and tips to get his feet back on the ground while his business is still viable. Once the business is forced to shut down, it’s much harder to get it started from the ground up all over again.

The Midrash compares this to a laden donkey whose load is falling off its back. As long as it’s only beginning to slip, one person alone can adjust it and help the donkey back on its feet. Once the donkey has fallen down, however, even five people won’t be able to lift it!

One way that one can fulfill this obligation is to patronize his friends’ and neighbors’ business. They are dependent upon loyal customers to run a successful enterprise. When one supports them by buying their products he is enabling them to not only meet their financial obligations but also make them feel proud of their successful operation. One can assist in other ways too, in helping one find a job, offering constructive advice and extending financial help to get them off and running.

A Rabbi once observed, “I’d rather support my fellow businessman while he’s in business by buying from him, than having his business fail and support him that way.”

The Torah this week teaches us that our obligation to give charity isn’t only to support someone who is totally destitute. We are also commanded to help prevent someone from reaching that nadir.