Tzedakah Precedence: Non-working Family member or struggling Yeshivos?
Questions:
Boruch Hashem, we have the z’chus to give thousands in maaser every month. For the past many years, we have been giving to yeshivos who seem to be struggling, thereby giving for Torah and for Aniyi’im (i.e., the mechanchim, ramim).
We have family (on my side and on my wife’s side) who seem to be really struggling with parnassa. One relative is living 9 people in a small 2 bedroom, because they cannot pay for a larger place.
Our questions:
1. What is considered an “Ani” nowadays that would justify giving tzeddaka?
2. I don’t mean to judge, but it seems to me that these relatives could be getting jobs, even if it is below their dignity. Is that a factor in who to give, or regardless of capability to work, if they don’t have, we must give.
3. Would giving to family fulfill our maaser obligation?
4. If the family situation does justify tzedaka, to they take precedence over yeshivos that are struggling? Should the maaser be split? Is there a percentage of how much to give to each?
Thank you very much
Answers:
1) A poor person according to Halacha is anyone who does not have the means of which they can cover the basics for him and his household on a consistent matter.
The basics is what Jewish society considers necessary basics. This would include but is not limited to: rent (possibly mortgage as well), food, utilities, tuition.
Of course the poorer the person the greater they are in need the greater the mitzvah it is to help them.
2) There is a mitzvah to give to a poor person, (in particular a poor relative where there is a rule of precedence) even if they do not work. However you can choose how to prioritize how you want to distribute Tzedaka. Of course, you can give money to a relative and stipulate with them that you will continue to help them only if they find a job.
3) Helping family members who are truly in need is considered a big mitzvah and may be used from ma’aser money.
4) Assuming that both causes (the family and the Yeshiva) are to your best understanding truly in need, you should definitely try to help your family as well. There is no absolute rule on how to decide percentages in this matter. There is an advantage and great mitzvah in supporting Torah learning for a Yeshiva and there is a also a great mitzvah in helping struggling family. In general, family members take precedence.
It is sensible that you should try to help both and base it on your means and their needs. However it is worth noting that each case needs to be individually evaluated, for example if an institution is not responsible in its spending or if a family member will use tzedakah money on luxuries more than necessities, that of course should be taken into account as well.
Sources:
Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 251:3; 253:2).
See also Tzedakah Umishpat 2:2.
See also:
Halacha #48: Collecting Tzedakah vs. Working
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