Spending large amounts of money for a mitzvah

Hi,

Aside from the rule that one should not spend more than 1/5 of his assets to fulfill a commandment, one also should not spend "large sums" [הון רב] even where they are less than 1/5, for this will prevent fulfillment of other commandments. This is why many pious Jews, through the ages, did not fulfill the mitzvah of writing a sefer torah.

[Note: This only refers to fulfillment of מצוות עשה, commandments; one must spend far more to avoid violation of a prohibition.]

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:163 and Dibrot Moshe Bava Kama (II) 89:21)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The limit on spending for a mitzvah

Hi,

Normally, we say that there is a limit on what one must spend in order to fulfill a mitzvah; one need not spend more than 1/4 of one's assets [חומש מלגיו]. However, this is only where spending mitzvah is only a means of enabling the mitzvah, such as in purchasing an etrog. Where the spending actually is the mitzvah, such as in pidyon haben, one is required to spend whatever percentage is necessary.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 5:41)

Have a great day,
Mordechai