Putting the Ten Commandments on the Aron Kodesh

Hi,

We are taught not to publish the Aseret haDibrot (Ten Commandments) in a standalone compilation or space, lest people view them as more important than the rest of the Torah. However, the practice of putting the first couple of words of each commandment on a plaque or parochet (curtain) on the Aron Kodesh (Ark) is permitted, since that doesn't include the entire text of the Commandments.

(Rabbi Ephraim Greenblatt, Rivivot Ephraim 1:3)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Donor Intent for Tzedakah

Hi,

It is assumed that non-earmarked donations to a general tzedakah fund are meant to be used locally. However, if it is known that the fund's donors generally give to non-local recipients as well, and the donor did not specify otherwise, then the donation may be used for non-local recipients in accordance with the fund's standard practice.

(Tzedakah uMishpat 3:20)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Tzedakah: Ladies First

Hi,

Women precede men among tzedakah recipients, to avoid creating a need for them to solicit tzedakah door-to-door.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 251:8)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Tzedakah Triage

Hi,

Providing food for the needy precedes providing clothing for the needy.

(Tzedakah uMishpat 3:18, and see footnotes there)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Tzedakah for those who rely on it in Israel

Hi,

When setting priorities for tzedakah, one should give precedence to the needy of Israel before the needy of other places. However, halachic authorities contend that one who is able to support himself outside of Israel, and then moves to Israel knowing that he will need to rely on tzedakah there, does not have precedence over others.

(Tzedakah uMishpat 3:14 and footnote 38)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Neighbours first

Hi,

As is commonly known, the needy of one's city precede the needy of other communities, in terms of priority for use of one's tzedakah money. Even within one's city, though, one's neighbours precede the rest of the community.

(Tzedakah uMishpat 3, footnote 34)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Supporting one's adult children

Hi,

Money given to support one's children, who have already passed the standard age of independence, is considered tzedakah.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 251:3, and see Tzedakah uMishpat 3:9 and the footnotes there)

Have a great day,
Mordechai