How timely, when membership for shul comes up at the same time as we give
to avert the decree against us for our sins. I would reply that yes only
if a good part of the dues were collected for charity. If not, it seems
that membership is for your own use, and not for those in need. This got
me thinking and the following was pulled from the Net, at
http://members.aol.com/jewfaq/tzedakah.htm
The 3rd paragraph does mention giving to synagogues, but I read that as
donations to synagoges so that others can enjoy these services, or so the
shul can then distribute as tzedakah. Seems that dues by itself would be
stretch.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be
forsaken even by those who are themselves in need. Tzedakah is the highest
of all commandments, equal to all of them combined. A person who does not
perform tzedakah is considered equivalent to an idol worshipper. Tzedakah
is one of the three acts that gain us forgiveness from our sins. The High
Holiday liturgy states that G-d has inscribed a judgment against all who
have sinned, but teshuvah (repentence), tefilah (prayer) and tzedakah can
reverse the decree.
According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income
to the poor. This is generally interpreted as one-tenth of our net income
after payment of taxes. Those who are dependent on public assistance or
living on the edge of subsistance may give less; no person should
give so much that he would become a public burden.
The obligation to perform tzedakah can be fulfilled by giving money to the
poor, to health care institutions, to synagogues or to educational
institutions. It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond
the age when you are legally required to, or supporting your parents in
their old age. The obligation includes giving to both Jews and gentiles;
contrary to popular belief, Jews do not just "take care of our own."
Judaism acknowledges that many people who ask for charity have no genuine
need. In fact, the Talmud suggests that this is a good thing: if all
people who asked for charity were in genuine need, we would be subject to
punishment (from G-d) for refusing anyone who asked. The existence of
frauds diminishes our liability for failing to give to all who ask,
because we have some legitimate basis for doubting the beggar's sincerity.
It is permissible to investigate the legitimacy of a charity before
donating to it.
Joseph Solovitch * Let love and justice flow like a mighty stream.
Archives of Ontario * Let peace fill the earth as the waters fill the sea.
[416] 327 1544 * And let say: Amen
solovij@gov.on.ca * [Excerpt Prayer for Peace,Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav]