Tzedakkah Challenges & Solutions

                                                            Defining Chesed

Rav Soloveitchik, zt”l, defined chesed as a “movement away from the self”. This concept appears to be comprehended in the Keter Torah community. Over the last few months I have had the privilege of playing a small role in helping to facilitate countless acts of chesed by members of our community. Our shul has an active and proficient chesed committee, an inimitable chevra kadisha, and many individuals who consistently approach me to determine their role in assisting those undergoing hardship.

Chesed in Action

I was extremely moved by the way that Yaakov Uri of ZAKA was warmly welcomed into our community. On my upcoming trip to Israel I will again visit with my friends at ZAKA. With no direct or aggressive solicitation, our shul members have been responsible for raising enough funds to dedicate five motorcycles to ZAKA. These cycles will be used to save lives of those in need, although we pray that no more tragedies will strike the Jewish community. The “moving away from the self” was also expressed by the extremely successful campaigns that we had for Matanot Laevyonim and Maot Chitim. Hundreds of needy Jews in America and in Israel were able to enjoy their Chag as a direct result of your benevolence. Rambam in his famous formulation in Hilchos Yom Tov 6:17-18 argues that one who enjoys his/her own Chag while ignoring the plight of the needy has not experienced simcha shel mitzvah; rather, it is simchat kreiso (a feast for one's stomach).

                                                            A Local Challenge

The Congregation Keter Torah Charity Fund exists to help individuals decide the proper avenues for their Tzedakkah. While I commend those who give tzedakka to people who come to the door, I also recognize the challenges of determining the authenticity of some of these collectors. While I am confident that the vast majority are soliciting for the disadvantaged, you may refer them to me, since I may have more information about the individuals or institutions that are collecting. If the individuals are local, feel free to refer them to Project Ezrah. You may also want to consider making more contributions to our charity fund or directly to Project Ezrah as a way of helping to negotiate through this issue. We are fortunate to live in a community that seeks to be of even greater assistance to the needy.

Rabbi Shalom Baum