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We see from the prioritizing principles that the responsibility to help others spreads in ever-widening circles. This makes a lot of sense, because if every person were to be responsible for the whole world, or even for all of the people of his city, we would not be able to adequately help anyone. In contrast, if people are responsible for those closest to them, they can help with everything needed, such as finding work, providing food, educating the children, and marrying them off. Furthermore, those dealing with their immediate circle know the people well and know the truth about their situation, so the help can be more precisely and effectively dispensed. This is the efficient way to rescue people from the cycle of poverty, which also benefits society as a whole.
Therefore, the primary responsibility to assist is on the family. If the family members cannot do it alone, the neighbors must help. If the neighbors cannot manage either, the responsibility devolves upon the community. Accordingly, the custom has been for each Jewish community to appoint people to be in charge of charity distribution. They must be wise and righteous, with a good sense of how to distribute the necessary aid in the most dignified and effective ways.
