| In addition to the time that a person spends studying Torah, and in addition to the time that God considers it as though he had done so (meaning that he wished to learn Torah but circumstances prevented him from doing so), it is possible that even during the rest of his day when he is at work, he will be a dwelling place for God.
This is achieved when one gives charity from the money he has earned with the intent to fulfill God’s will. Our Sages state, “Just as He is compassionate and merciful, so should you be compassionate and merciful” (Shabbat 133b), and “Is it truly possible for a person to go in the way of the Divine Presence? After all, the Torah says, ‘The Lord your God is a consuming fire’ (Deut. 4:24). Rather, a person must emulate God’s attributes. Just as He clothes the naked… so should you clothe the naked…” (Sofa 14a). Just as God shows compassion and mercy by “giving charity,” meaning, bestowing His bounty upon all creatures, a person who gives charity emulates God. He thus attaches himself to God and becomes a dwelling place for Him. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
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