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- Charity and Lending Money
I want to suggest a novel (pardon the expression!) way of helping others in need at this crucial time, even as we help ourselves.
We know that Halacha mandates us to set aside Ma’aser - 10% of our (spendable) income – to give to worthy causes. I would like each and every one of us to consider using some of that Ma’aser money to assist businesses and individuals – ideally local enterprises -that are struggling to stay solvent.
Do you normally eat out or get take-away food from restaurants? If not, then make an exception and dine or "order out," using some of your Ma’aser funds.
Do you usually buy flowers for your spouse on erev Shabbat? If not, then do it now, with Ma’aser money.
Do you ever take taxis, rather than drive your own car to various places? If not, then consider doing so during this crisis, with part of your Ma’aser money.
The possibilities are unlimited for you to "prop up" those who are struggling to survive financially, and there is no better use of Ma’aser funds than helping to keep others on their financial feet – even if you tangentially benefit in the process.
Rav Chaim Kanievsky writes, as an example of this concept, that one may buy a sefer that he normally would not purchase, using his Ma’aser money; the Chafetz Chaim in his sefer Ahavat Chesed maintains that supporting businesses is one of the highest forms of Tzedaka, as it helps a continuous chain of people along with the owner.
I have discussed this issue with several poskim and they concur that in this extraordinary time, when so many people and establishments are threatened with bankruptcy, this exceptional use of Ma’ser to help them is appropriate, justified and Halachically warranted.
There are certain simple conditions to adhere to:
- The establishment you are supporting should be one that you believe is in real danger of closing; or that the individual (e.g. the taxi driver) is in dire need of parnasa to meet his basic needs;
- The Ma’aser should only be used for something you would not normally purchase; it should not be used for items that you typically buy or need for everyday use (e.g. food for your own meals, gas for your car, etc.);
- If used at a restaurant, the average cost of the food (if it were to be bought independently) should be deducted from the Ma’aser amount; the entire tip, however, may be from Ma’aser;
- Because you are also getting enjoyment from the purchase, some suggest deducting one-third for the benefit you receive and using Ma’aser money for 2/3 of the cost of the item/service.
Of course, I am not in any way dismissing the importance of supporting worthwhile charitable organizations. Yet while giving Tzedaka in any form is a Mitzva, supporting a business that is at risk allows the proprietor to maintain his self-esteem and not feel that he is a "charity case." You should not feel guilty that you, too, benefit materially (as well as spiritually) from this act; it is a "win-win" situation that helps everyone.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
