1,228. Donating Misappropriated Funds

Shekalim 3:10

Let’s say that someone gave a half-shekel to a friend to give the money-changer on his behalf but the friend donates it on his own behalf instead, to avoid being compelled. If the treasury funds have already been withdrawn, the friend is considered to have misused sanctified property because the half-shekel is considered to already be the property of the Temple. This is because the money is withdrawn on behalf of all those who are still yet to donate. Therefore, the friend tried to avoid trouble by using sanctified funds, meaning that he derived benefit from this coin (which is prohibited). If the treasury funds have not yet been withdrawn, the friend is not considered to have misused sanctified property but he is required to return the half-shekel to the one who gave it to him. Similarly, if one takes a half-shekel by stealth or by force and then uses it to make his half-shekel donation, he has fulfilled his obligation but he must repay the money, paying double or adding one-fifth (the penalties for different cases of theft, applied where appropriate).

Shekalim 3:11

If a person donates his half-shekel using sanctified money, if it’s after the Temple funds have been withdrawn for use, then he is liable for misuse of sanctified property but he has fulfilled his obligation to donate the half-shekel. If one donates his half-shekel using funds that were designated as second tithe money, then he should eat food of equal value in Jerusalem. If he donates using money that was exchanged sabbatical-year produce, then he should eat food of equal value with sabbatical-year sanctity. If one donates using money from a condemned city, he has done nothing at all.