[Avodah] the 5th purim mitzva

[Micha Berger]

On Thu, March 1, 2007 10:55 am, Newman,Saul Z wrote:
: i wonder was it always a general every-tzedaka-under-the-sun day, or did
: this just become something for shtik-oriented teenagers to do to while away
: the time. maybe it just took longer for the practice to get to the west.

Perhaps it uses the same reasoning as ma'aser kesafim.

Many justify using ma'aser kesafim for yeshivos because scholarships cover the
costs for people who can't afford it. Some extend this to whatever percentage
of tuition is inflated to cover others' scholarships.

Thus, if supporting yeshivos is helping aniyim WRT ma'aser kesafim, why not
WRT matanos le'evyonim?

But I think it's more sociological... An attempt to hit people up for money
when they are already in the mood of being looser with their tzedaqah money.

At least, I hope so -- my boys will be collecting for Chai Lifeline on Purim,
for an accessible playground for their camp. (Contact me for info on where to
send any checks.) Of course, most people who r"l have a sick child are
financially strapped by it as well, so it too is arguably matanos le'evyonim.

Tir'u baTov!
-mi

-- 
Micha Berger             Spirituality is like a bird: if you tighten
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Fax: (270) 514-1507                            - Rav Yisrael Salanter