The Two Most Important Divine Precepts (From The Ramabam)

“You shall surely open your hand “—Deuteronomy 15:8.

We are commanded to give charity to the indigent, to relieve them of their distress. We are commanded to feed the needy and provide them with whatever they lack.

Even a pauper who is sustained by charity is obligated to fulfill this mitzvah—by giving charity (even if only a pittance) to someone needier than himself, or someone in a similar predicament.

“Do not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your destitute brother”—Deuteronomy 15:7.

It is forbidden to be stingy and withhold charity and relief from our needy brethren—if we are aware of their desperate situation and have the means to assist them.