A man devoted himself to spend a whole day reciting Psalms. He wanted to finish reading them all. Towards evening, as he was nearing the end, the shamash of the Synagogue came over and asked that he go to the rabbi as soon as possible. He answered that he would come as soon as he finished reciting Psalms.
Later the rabbi asked, "Why did you no obey my summons?"
The man explained the great task he was performing.
The rabbi replied: "I called you to take up a collection for a poor Jew. Psalms can be chanted any time. They can even be sung by the Angels but mortal need to aid the destitute. Tzedaka is a greater duty than chanting Psalms inasmuch as Angels cannot do tzedakah.
Later the rabbi asked, "Why did you no obey my summons?"
The man explained the great task he was performing.
The rabbi replied: "I called you to take up a collection for a poor Jew. Psalms can be chanted any time. They can even be sung by the Angels but mortal need to aid the destitute. Tzedaka is a greater duty than chanting Psalms inasmuch as Angels cannot do tzedakah.
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