Re: Are synagogue dues charity?

Joseph Solovitch (solovij@gov.on.ca)
Wed, 16 Oct 1996 15:10:05 -0400 (EDT)

First I must apologise for not wording my message in a better manner so as
not to have allowed the perception of slighting of the importance of
synagogue. Leonard Mansky has made a cogent response in argument of the
giving of synagogue dues as fulfilling tzedakah.

I have put a harder edge to the original query, "Are synagogue dues
charity?" by rephasing it as "Are synagogue dues by itself sufficient
charity."

As such I still believe that the answer should be no, this would not be
enough. I draw both conclusions and inspiration from various Jewish
perspectives: Traditional pushkes; Hebrew Ladies Aid bazaars; farmers not
harvesting corners and leaving gleanings; inspired stories about the
Chabad Chassid; modern activists Tikkun Olam.

In Canada taxation is much higher than 25% - our tax free day is in
August. As long as I am able [Baruch Hashem], I would not feel that I
have fulfilled obligations and perfomed mitzvots if I were only to pay
taxes and belong to our shul.

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]