The Time Frame For Ma’aser
Rav Dovid Grossman, Rosh Bais HaVaad Question: Is there a specific time frame to give ma’aser? If I prefer to give all of my ma’aser once a year when I do my taxes, is that okay? Answer: There is no…
It Is Better To “Turn Shabbos Into a Weekday” Than To Take Tzedakah
Question: If someone is collecting because he has no money, but one knows for a fact that the poor person could get a job and make a living on his own if he was so inclined, is he still obligated…
Verifying The Legitimacy of Tzedakah
Rav Dovid Grossman, Rosh Bais HaVaad Question: People are approached quite often and asked to donate to a variety of causes. Most people have no way of ascertaining who is really legitimate and who is not. What approach should one…
The Definition of an Ani
Rav Dovid Grossman, Rosh Bais HaVaad Question: What are the defining factors and parameters that categorize any individual as a poor person eligible to receive tzedakah or ma’aser? Answer: The Gemara defines a poor person as a person who has…
Tzedakah Collectors During Davening
Rav Dovid Grossman, Rosh Bais HaVaad Question: Many poor people solicit funds in shuls during davening. Does one have to interrupt his davening to give donations to each collector? Answer: When a poor person asks for a donation, there is…
Does Someone Taking Tzedakah Have to Give Tzedakah?
Rav Dovid Grossman, Rosh Bais HaVaad Question: Many young men in Kollel are supported by parents or in-laws. Does such a person have an obligation to give ma'aser from his wife’s paycheck and his Kollel check? Answer: This question applies…
Text And Email Solicitation
Rav Dovid Grossman, Rosh Bais HaVaad Question: People today often receive text message and email solicitations for tzedakah. Is there an obligation to give a donation to each one? Answer: There is a Torah prohibition to refuse to give…
Does Family Come First?
Rav Dovid Grossman, Rosh Bais HaVaad Question: When giving ma'aser to poor people, can one give priority to needy family members? Is one obligated to do so? Answer: We learn from pesukim that needy relatives should be given priority when…
The Hierarchy of Tzedakah
Rav Dovid Grossman, Rosh Bais HaVaad Question: Everybody has different worthy causes that speak to them and to which they like to give priority when giving tzedakah. For example, some people prefer to support yeshivos, while others like to give…
The Differences Between Tzedakah and Ma’aser
Rav Dovid Grossman, Rosh Bais HaVaad Question: We are all familiar with the terms “tzedakah” and “ma'aser”. Are these two words synonymous or do they have different definitions? Answer: While people often confuse the two, there are a number…