What is the community's obligation when a poor person requires a significant amount of money?

The community's obligation to support the poor collectively according to their wealth reflects the principle of communal responsibility in Jewish law. This obligation emphasizes that support for those in need is not solely the responsibility of individuals but rather a shared duty among community members. Each person's contribution may vary based on their financial capability, allowing the community to collectively meet the needs of the poor.

This collective effort is rooted in the recognition that every member of society has a role in ensuring the welfare of all, especially the vulnerable. It promotes solidarity and compassion within the community while also acknowledging the diverse financial situations of its members. This approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility rather than placing an overwhelming burden on any single individual.

The other options do not align with this principle. Providing all funds by themselves would ignore the collaborative nature of community support. Helping only those who are financially stable contradicts the very essence of charity and communal aid, as assistance is most needed by those in difficult circumstances, regardless of others' wealth. Referring a poor person to a government program may be appropriate in some situations, but it does not fulfill the community's obligation to care for its own members directly and supportively. Thus, the requirement to aid collectively according to wealth stands as the correct understanding of the