Комментарий о цитате к Кохелет 11:1

The Targum calls it “hiur,” which means a white color.⁵⁹Targum Rishon, Esther 1:6. That is to say, it should not make the face of anyone who comes uninvited pale and embarrass him. In addition, they used to say that the “het” refers to the door. We learn this from [the commentary of] Hizkuni, who writes in parshat Bo that they smeared the blood of the paschal sacrifice on the upper lintels and on the two sides.⁶⁰Exodus, 12:7. This has the image of a “het,” which points to “life” [Hayyim], that the Holy One rescued Israel. He did not allow the first-born to die. So too, the large “het” shows us that the door should be open on Purim so that guests should come in. Through this, he will be worthy of “life.” The “het” points to long life. One is particularly worthy of long life from poor guests, as Scripture says, “cast your bread upon the waters; for after many days you will find it” [Ecclesiastes, 11:1]. Our sages interpreted this that the one who gives charity, particularly bread to the guest, he will receive a generous reward in the fullness of days. That is, he will be worthy of long life.⁶¹Avot de-Rabbi Nathan version A, chap. 3. Amen, Selah.

The Tanhuma writes about the haftorah, “King David was old and advanced in years” [1:1]. Where do we find someone who is worthy to be old and hoary? Scripture answers, “it is attained by the way of righteousness” [Proverbs, 16:31].¹⁴The first part of this verse is, “Gray hair is a crown of glory.” That is to say, one who gives charity lives long. Concerning this, we find that it says about Abraham our Patriarch, “to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is just and right” [Genesis, 18:19]. He gave charity and therefore he was worthy to be old, as the verse says, “Abraham was old, advanced in years” [Genesis, 24:1]. It is also written here, “David administered justice and equity to all his people” [II Samuel, 8:15]. Therefore, he was worthy to attain old age, as the verse says, “King David was old and advanced in years” [I Kings, 1:1]. King Solomon showed this in the Book of Ecclesiastes, “cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it” [Ecclesiastes, 11:1]. That is to say, give your bread to the poor, just like somebody who throws it in the water and he gives up on it. You should give charity in the same way and not for the reward. Give up hope and only give it out of goodness. “For after many days, you will find it” [Ecclesiastes, 11:1].¹⁵Tanhuma, Hayyei Sarah, 4. That is, you will have the opportunity to give for many days. This means, you will find your reward from your giving of bread to the poor and you will have many good days. When a person gives charity in the expectation that he will be rich and have much wealth then God gives him much wealth. However, when a person gives charity out of goodness, he lives long.