Happy are those who keep justice, the one who does charity at all times (Psalm 106:3). This verse switches from the plural – those who keep justice, to the singular – the one who does charity at all times. Ketav Sofer explains that while justice and good deeds should be pursued publicly, this is not true for helping others. Someone who helps only when there is public recognition will never be one who does charity at all times. Sometimes the greatest charity happens in private. Our parasha tells us: if you should lend money to My people, to the pauper with you, you shall not be to him like a creditor, you shall not impose interest on him…it is to the pauper with you – to the one whose plight we alone may know that we me must be most attentive.
