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Constant Begging

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Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

Tevet 1, 5771
Question
A Bedouin man knocks on our door almost daily, asking for money. After giving him money, he always asks for much more money. This is done in a harrasing matter, and whatever we give him is never enough. We have asked him to come only once a month to receive a higher amount instead of his daily visits. He disregards these requests, while providing questionable stories of his problems upon each visit. Additionally, we feel that he is trying to instill guilt upon us after every donation. My wife feels very uncomfortable when he comes over and she is alone in the house. What are our halakhic responsiblities for this constant and personal resquest for tzdakah? We are in a difficult financial situation at the moment, but we try to be as kind as possible in his confrontation. What do you recommend?
Answer
Judging from your question it seems that you are sensitive and caring people. You should therefore not be taken advantage of. You are not required to give Tzdaka to someone who claims poverty and casts himself upon you. Unless a person comes to you and says he is hungry, you are not obligated to support him before his background is looked into that he is really needy since he may be a crook. (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 251:10) As sad as it sounds the poskim of the generation have ruled that since the majority of those requesting handouts are considered not honest until proven otherwise we therefore you should not feel guilty when not giving them since you wouldn’t be fulfilling the Mitzvah of Tzdaka. However, if you are dealing with someone who goes from door to door "mechazer al Hapetachim" outstretching his hand, the Shulchan looks upon him differently and requires us only to give a minute sum which is 10-20 Agorot. (Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 250:3). If he refuses the sum, it is sign that he is not really needy. (See Aseh Lecha Rav, of Rav Chaim David Halevy vol. 9, 34-35.) With such people you sometimes need to be assertive and tell him you are giving only a small amount. If he is indeed needy he will accept it and if not it is not your responsibility and it should not bother your conscience, because he will take his "business" elsewhere. Neither should your wife feel guilty if she does not answer the door when home alone. If you want to make sure that you are fulfilling the mitzvah of Tzadaka give to a recognized institution or contact the social services=(שרותי רווחה) of your community who deal with severe social cases who are in real need. In merit of giving true Tzadaka may Hashem help you in your financial situation.
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