What does the Gemara in Gittin state about the obligation of poor people regarding tzedakah?

The statement that even a poor person supported by tzedakah must also give tzedakah highlights an important principle in Jewish law regarding the obligation of charity. The Gemara in Gittin emphasizes that all members of the community, regardless of their financial status, share a responsibility to practice tzedakah. This reflects the belief that the act of giving is not only a means of support for the needy but also a vital aspect of community solidarity and personal development.

A poor person who receives assistance is still encouraged to contribute to the welfare of others as a testament to shared responsibility and dignity. This teaching underlines that tzedakah is not merely an obligation dictated by wealth but a fundamental value that reinforces community ties and personal growth. It cultivates a sense of empathy and responsibility among all individuals, encouraging them to contribute in whichever form they are able, even if that may be a small amount compared to the donations of the wealthy.

The other options present a misunderstanding of the principle of tzedakah in Jewish law, as they either imply that only the wealthy have a responsibility to give, which would undermine the communal aspect of charitable giving, or that those who receive support are entirely exempt from contributing, which opposes the fundamental tenet that every individual has