Charity/Tzedaka: To Whom

General Rules

Family First

Give charity first to family; then to your local or nearby community. Only then may you give to remote communities, especially if the remote communities are in Eretz Yisrael.

Who Qualifies To Receive Charity

A person may receive charity if he or she has so little money that he or she must worry about having sufficient funds to buy a non-luxury item.

An institution is needy if it does not have enough money for basic needs (repairing buildings, maintenance, utilities...).

There is no need to donate to people or institutions if their basic needs are covered.

To Whom: Beggars

Charity to a Jewish Beggar for Himself

If a Jewish beggar asks for money for him/herself, and you know him/her to be needy, you should at least give something, but it does not need to be much.

Charity to a Beggar for Jewish Institution

If a beggar asks for money for a Jewish institution, you do not need to give.

Assumed Beggar at Door

If someone knocks on your door and you assume that he or she is a beggar, you do not need to answer the door.

Charity on Purim

On Purim, give money to anyone who asks.

Note: If for an institution, you are not required to give.

Poor Brides/Hachnasat Kalla

How Much

Hachnasat kalla means helping a poor woman pay the expenses to hold a wedding and set up a household for married life. The minimum required is enough so that she is not embarrassed. It does not include paying for an opulent wedding. There is not any absolute amount of money that you should give per guest and even the quality of the food, decorations, and any entertainment are dependent on the individual.

Hachnasat Kalla for Women and Men

Hachnasat kalla also applies to a poor man who needs money to pay the expenses to get married.

Non-Sectarian Causes

You may give small amounts of money or goods to a non-sectarian charity (hospital, school, etc., that is not affiliated with any religion other than Judaism) and it will count as part of your charity (ma'aser). You may give large amounts of money to non-sectarian charities, but you should not count it as part of your ma'aser.

Note: A small amount of money is whatever is common in your area as a minimal amount to give to a person or charity.

Charity/Tzedaka: From Whom To Take

Charity from a Woman

A person may receive charity from a woman:

  • From a single woman: any amount.
  • From a married woman: a small amount; a large amount only if her husband agrees.

Charity/Tzedaka: When To Give

By When To Give

Charity/Tzedaka Should Be Paid by Third Jewish Festival

Charity/tzedaka should be paid by the third Jewish festival (Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot) after the money is received.

Charity/Tzedaka: How Often To Give

Charity Daily on Weekdays

You should give charity daily (except Shabbat and Jewish festivals) at the time of prayer.

Giving Charity Less, More Frequently

You should give charity frequently, even if that means giving smaller amounts at each giving.

Copyright 2015 Richard B. Aiken. Halacha L’Maaseh appears courtesy of www.practicalhalacha.com Visit their web site for more information.

This material is provided for informational purposes only – not a substitute for the consultation of a competent rabbi.