Parshas Ki Savo contains the blessings and the curses that Klal Yisroel accepted on Har Grizim and Har Eival. One of the curses is, “Cursed be the person that does not uphold this Torah…” Aside from the simple meaning, which refers to someone who does not fulfill the mitzvos of the Torah, the Yerushalmi adds another intention. The Yerushalmi states in the name of Rebbi Acha who says in the name of Rebbi Tanchum B’Rebbi Chiyah, that this curse also refers to someone who learns and keeps the Torah, and had the ability to give money to Torah scholars, but neglected to do so. Even a great Torah scholar who does not donate to other Torah scholars receives a curse in the Torah!

Rabbi Aharon Dovid Singer
Rosh Kollel, NMB Kollel