Q&A: Statements of the Sages Meant Literally
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Statements of the Sages Meant Literally
Question
Hello and blessings,
What do you think is meant by the statement that charity saves from death? Is it meant literally? Do they mean that they knew charity has a special power to save a person from death? How could they have known that? Divine inspiration?
And likewise regarding the statement that emissaries performing a commandment are not harmed.
Answer
You’re pushing on an open door. It’s probably just literary encouragement to give charity.