Union of American Hebrew Congregations



Synagogue Strategies Group

Text Study

Asking for Tzedakah

January 26, 2016

Text from TZEDAKAH: Can Jewish Philanthropy Buy Jewish Survival by Jacob Neusner, UAHC Press, 1997.

WHO COLLECTS TZEDAKAH?

(From the Mishneh Torah 9:5)

Contributions to the alms fund must be collected jointly by two persons, because a demand for money may not be presented to the community by less than two {collectors}. Although the money collected may be entrusted {for safekeeping} to one person, it must be distributed by three persons because it is similar to money involved in a civil action, since they must give to each (poor person) enough for the (poor person’s) weekly needs. {Donations to} the charity tray must be collected by three persons since the contribution to it is not fixed and must (also) be distributed by three (persons).

Questions for Discussion:

Why is it that two persons are required to ask for a contribution?

What does “two” represent?

HOW TO DEAL WITH REFUSAL.

(From the Mishneh Torah 7:10)

The one who refuses to give Tzedakah, or gives less than (that person) can afford, must be compelled by the court to give an appropriate sum, and must be flogged for disobedience until that person gives as much as the court estimates is proper. The court may even seize that person’s property in that person’s presence and take from that person what is proper for that person to give. One may pawn possessions in order to give Tzedakah, even on the eve of the Sabbath.

Questions for Discussion:

Is there a community norm in terms of a reaction when a congregant refuses to make a contribution?

What should such a norm in your synagogue?

REGARDING THE ONE WHO ASKS.

(From the Mishneh Torah 10:6)

As for the one who presses others to give Tzedakah, and persuades them to do so, that person’s reward is greater than the one who gives Tzedakah as it is stated in scripture And the work of the righteousness shall be peace (Isaiah, 32:17).

Questions for Discussion:

How do you define righteousness?

What is meant by “peace”?

What is the worst thing that can happen when you ask someone for a contribution?

REGARDING TZEDEKAH AND HOLINESS

(From Leviticus 17a)

Through the righteousness-of Tzedakah, I shall behold your face (Psalms 17:15). Notice that this verse illustrates the immense power of tzedakah. For the verse indicates that a person who gives as little as a single penny to the poor is deemed worthy to behold the face of the Divine Presence. In the material world, however, it is customary for a matron who wishes to be received by her king must fashion a suitable crown (as a present for him). And by presenting this crown, which she brings to adorn him, (the matron becomes worthy of) beholding the face of the king. But a person needs to give only a single penny to the poor in order to behold the face of the Divine Presence.

What is meant by giving “as little as a single penny”?

How does this text fit into the cultural norms of philanthropy at your synagogue?

(Prepared by David Katowitz, Synagogue Strategies Group, 973-477-6424, david@)

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