Charity: Difference between revisions
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→Testing Hashem
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==Testing Hashem== | ==Testing Hashem== | ||
#The Gemara Tanit 9a explains that for maaser it is permitted to test Hashem that if you’re careful to give maaser Hashem will enrich you. There is a question whether this concept applies also to maaser kesafim or even to all forms of tzedaka. | #The Gemara Tanit 9a explains that for maaser it is permitted to test Hashem that if you’re careful to give maaser Hashem will enrich you. There is a question whether this concept applies also to maaser kesafim or even to all forms of tzedaka. | ||
Many poskim hold that it is forbidden to give tzedaka in order to test Hashem that he make you wealthy, but it is permitted to test Hashem when giving maaser kesafim. On the other hand | # Many poskim hold that it is forbidden to give tzedaka in order to test Hashem that he make you wealthy, but it is permitted to test Hashem when giving maaser kesafim. On the other hand, some poskim hold that it is forbidden to test Hashem even for maaser kesafim.<ref>Is it permitted to test Hashem by giving Tzedaka that he will make you rich? Tur 247:1 writes that it is permitted to test Hashem for all tzedaka. Bet Yosef says it is only permitted for maaser. Rama quotes these two opinions. It is implied from the Bet Yosef and Rama that they hold it is permitted to test Hashem for maaser kesafim. Ahavat Chesed 2:18:1 fnt. 2 agrees with the Rama that you can test Hashem for maaser kesafim. | ||
* Or Zaruah (Tzedaka ch. 13) permits testing Hashem for giving tzedaka like the opinion of the Tur. Radvaz 3:441 implies that he holds like the Tur. Rabbenu Yonah (Shaarei Teshuva 3:30), Yereyim (361), and Smag (Lavin 4) disagree. They're not clear if it is permitted for maaser kesafim or not. Maharshal on Smag 4 makes this distinction between maaser and tzedaka. | * Or Zaruah (Tzedaka ch. 13) permits testing Hashem for giving tzedaka like the opinion of the Tur. Radvaz 3:441 implies that he holds like the Tur. Rabbenu Yonah (Shaarei Teshuva 3:30), Yereyim (361), and Smag (Lavin 4) disagree. They're not clear if it is permitted for maaser kesafim or not. Maharshal on Smag 4 makes this distinction between maaser and tzedaka. | ||
* Yavetz 1:3 argues that it is only permitted to test Hashem for maaser rishon of grain but not maaser kesafim. [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=37856&st=&pgnum=535 Shlah (Hilchot Tzedaka)] and Pitchei Teshuva 247:2 quoting Mishnat Chachamim agree. Meiri Tanit 9a has an extreme opinion that it is always forbidden to test Hashem. One can give tzedaka to get a reward but can't give maaser or do any mitzvah on condition that he gets a reward.</ref> | * Yavetz 1:3 argues that it is only permitted to test Hashem for maaser rishon of grain but not maaser kesafim. [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=37856&st=&pgnum=535 Shlah (Hilchot Tzedaka)] and Pitchei Teshuva 247:2 quoting Mishnat Chachamim agree. Meiri Tanit 9a has an extreme opinion that it is always forbidden to test Hashem. One can give tzedaka to get a reward but can't give maaser or do any mitzvah on condition that he gets a reward.</ref> | ||
# | #If you hold that it is permitted Hashem for matters of tzedaka, why is that so? | ||
* One understanding is that Hashem permitted testing Him for tzedaka because tzedaka is such a great mitzvah and so important to Him.<Ref>Radvaz 3:441</ref> | * One understanding is that Hashem permitted testing Him for tzedaka because tzedaka is such a great mitzvah and so important to Him.<Ref>Radvaz 3:441</ref> | ||
* Some explain that it is permitted to test Him since He promised to enrich someone who gives tzedaka, so it isn’t a test of Hashem, it is merely revealing his promise.<ref>Maharshal (cited by Derisha 247 and Shach 247)</ref> | * Some explain that it is permitted to test Him since He promised to enrich someone who gives tzedaka, so it isn’t a test of Hashem, it is merely revealing his promise.<ref>Maharshal (cited by Derisha 247 and Shach 247)</ref> | ||
* Another explanation is that testing Hashem is problematic because if one’s test isn’t fulfilled one might question Him, but for tzedaka there is a certain protective power that it will not lead to questioning Him.<ref>Badei Hashulchan (247:1 Biurim)</ref> | * Another explanation is that testing Hashem is problematic because if one’s test isn’t fulfilled one might question Him, but for tzedaka there is a certain protective power that it will not lead to questioning Him.<ref>Badei Hashulchan (247:1 Biurim)</ref> | ||
==From Who It Is Permitted to Take Tzedaka?== | ==From Who It Is Permitted to Take Tzedaka?== | ||
===Married Women=== | ===Married Women=== | ||
