[Avodah] Torah Institutions = Tzeddakah?

[regalkit at aol.com]

I don't know if this was discussed in the past, however I was wondering if anyone knows the source for calling Torah Institution donations tzeddakah? The importance in its definition is because it's a mitzvas aseh (Mishne Torah Matanot la Aniyim 7:1).The Rambam gives different grades of importance for Tzeddakah, however only needy people are mentioned. Today, any form of Jewish philanthropy seems to be Tzeddakah, whether it's for a Yeshiva, shul, Hatzalah, Mikvaos, Bikkur Cholim etc. There is definitely a priority given to a pauper who is a Talmid Chochom over a regular person. 


      

"If a person is wealthy, 
      instead of building a synagogue or bet midrash he rather 
      should give his money to respected scholars to enable them to study Torah. Sefer Chassidim 1039"

There are may differences (nafke minahs). If a person makes a neder "Selah zu lizdakah bishvil sheyichye bni", and then gives the money to a Yeshiva has he obligated his vow? Hashem left us in Galus with two forms of gaining forgiveness; prayer and charity. Tzeddakah tatzil mimaves.
Of course giving to a Yeshiva is a mitzva of Hachzakas hatorah, to Hatzola is chessed, etc., but can they be defined as tzeddakah?
And if it is Tzedakah on what level of priority do these donations have vis-a-vis charity to a pauper.
Binyomin Hirsch






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