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Beit Midrash
- Jewish Laws and Thoughts
- Middot - Character Traits
- Charity and Lending Money
Ephraim had just located the leftover brownies in the refrigerator, when he heard yet another knock. He opened his front door, and dutifully placed a coin into the extended palm. He quickly shut the door, retrieved the brownies, and sank into the couch. "This is just ridiculous!" he muttered, through mouthfuls of chocolate frosting. "I’m all for charity, but this is just getting out of hand!"
The next morning after davening, Ephraim decided that it was time to take action. He sauntered up to the front of the shul, banged his hand ceremoniously on the bima, and began addressing the assembled. "I’m sure you’ve noticed that, lately, we’ve been getting a lot of collectors coming around here. Of course, charity is a wonderful and very important thing. But having all these out-of-town collectors coming to our neighborhood is hurting the locals! We should be giving priority to our neighbors in need. I think it’s time that we decide, as a group, that we’re not giving to people who don’t live here. If we all do it together, those collectors will get the message, and stop coming around here!"
Ephraim’s soliloquy caught the attention of the congregants, who all began to discuss his proposal, simultaneously. The assembled hurried to express agreement, dissension, and confusion. It was at that moment that the rabbi walked in. The people turned to the rabbi and asked whether the Torah provides guidance on this matter.
What do you think? Should the community ban outside charity collectors, and only give money to locals?
Answer of Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl, shlita:
A similar story took place in the time of the Vilna Gaon. The leaders were concerned, because an influx of outside collectors had led to a decrease in donations to the local poor. A debate arose among the community leaders, as to whether outside charity collectors should be allowed.
The Vilna Gaon had informed the town leaders, some time ago, that he preferred to be left out of matters of communal policy, as his extensive learning schedule left little time for anything else. He had told the leaders that he only wished to be consulted regarding the implementation of new policies.
The leaders approached the Gaon, and informed him that there was a new policy which they were considering implementing. They stated that they would like to prohibit the local community members from giving charity to itinerant collectors, in order to ensure that local funds would only go to support local causes.
Upon hearing the policy under consideration, the Gaon unceremoniously stood up, and walked out of the room! The community leaders were astounded.
One of the leaders respectfully approached the Gaon and stated "The Rav instructed us to request guidance regarding implementation of new policies."
"True," the Gaon responded, "but this policy isn’t new. It was implemented years ago, by the people of Sedom! The people of Sedom refused to give to outsiders!"
In practice, there is an obligation to give residents of one’s city more than one gives to residents of another city. However, one must give a small amount to residents of other cities, as well.
It is important to note that sometimes the gabbais of a shul will decide to disallow the placement of a tzedaka box of an outside organization on the shul premises. This is permitted. However, it is forbidden to disallow people from collecting charity in a shul.
In summary:It is forbidden to prevent people from collecting charity. To act in such a manner would be imitating the actions of the people of Sedom. However, one must give local poor people more than one gives to outside collectors.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
