Chapter 9 $& 9 TZEDAKAH: ASPIRING TO A HIGHER ETHIC Daniel Schiff

dedicate this article to my dear friend and mentor, Rabbi Dr. Moshe Zemer

. Moshe ’s scholarly accomplishments and his extensive contributions to the pursuit of a“sane halakhah” are detailed elsewhere in this volume. Beyond these considerable achievements, I cherish even more Moshe ’s personal qualities that have meant so much to me through the years. It was Moshe ’s infectious enthusiasm for the responsa literature that first started me on the path that led toward my interest in the field; it was Moshe ’s unending academic curiosity and careful intellectual rigor that proved so very inspirational; and it was Moshe ’s love for the Jewish people, for our rich heritage and for Medinat Yisrael that provided such 2 wonderful model. I am deeply indebted to Moshe for all his wisdom, guidance, patience and encouragement. Perhaps more importantly, the Jewish people are indebted to Moshe for having taken us“beyond the letter of the law” in seeking to understand the halakhah in a Way that is compassionate, coherent and fully consistent with the Jewish heritage.

In 1993, archaeologists unearthed a fifth—century mosaic synagogue floor at Zippori in the Galilee. Alongside a host of rich symbolic representations, the mosaic included the following inscription:“May he be remembered for good, Yudan son of Isaac the Priest and Paragri his daughter, Amen, Amen.” Scholarly speculation holds that the tribute was probably designed to offer recognition to a generous donor who helped the synagogu¢ financially. It is, of course, impossible to ascertain what type of

mitzvot this alleged donor performed beyond that of contributing t©