The Greatness of Causing Others to Give Tzedakah - Bava Basra 9a

Full Summary

This shiur examines the famous Gemara (גמרא) in Bava Basra 9a which states that "gadol hama'ase yoser min ha'ose" - one who causes another to give tzedakah is greater than the one who actually gives. Rabbi Zweig begins by citing the Gemara's proof text from the pasuk "vehaya ma'ase hatzedakah shalom" - "and the work of tzedakah shall be peace." A central challenge addressed is the apparent contradiction between this Gemara and another in Sanhedrin 99b, which states that one who causes another to perform a mitzvah (מצוה) receives reward "as if he did it" - implying equality, not superiority. The Ritva and Pri Chadash resolve this by explaining that the ma'ase (causer) is only greater when the ose (giver) acts under pressure unwillingly, while in Sanhedrin the person acts willingly. Rabbi Zweig presents a novel interpretation based on Rashi (רש"י)'s language describing "ma'asim es chaveihem" - causing their friends to act. He argues that Rashi understands ma'ase not as coercion or pressure, but as influence through friendship and connection. Drawing on Rashi's interpretation elsewhere of "av" (father) as both "yoetz" (advisor) and "patron" (supporter), he explains that effective influence comes through genuine relationship and shared identity. The shiur explores how peer connection creates natural motivation to act. When people feel genuinely connected as friends (chaverim), they willingly participate in each other's activities and values. This dynamic represents the highest form of influence - not through force or embarrassment, but through creating shalom (peace/connection) that inspires voluntary participation. Rabbi Zweig explains that tzedakah serves as the ultimate test of this connection, since parting with money is particularly difficult. When someone gives tzedakah based on friendship and shared values rather than pressure, it demonstrates genuine shalom between the parties. This is why the ma'ase is greater - not only does he facilitate the mitzvah of tzedakah, but he creates and demonstrates the additional mitzvah of shalom. The analysis addresses the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s ruling which seems to include both "kofe" (coercing) and "ma'ase" in the same law, suggesting various ways to reconcile this with the friendship-based interpretation. The shiur concludes by emphasizing that building genuine community and chavura (fellowship) creates the most effective and pleasant environment for mitzvah observance, where people act from connection rather than compulsion.