[Avodah] John Locke and Tzedaqa

[Rich, Joel]

So my question is: given that we know that historically, the Jewish communities would assess tzedaqa like a tax, how could they do this?
Granted that everyone has an obligation to give tzedaqa, but who gave the kehilla the right to assess tzedaqa? Who made the kehilla boss?
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Your premise is not necessarily accepted by all-the tzibbur (a la R'YBS) is much more than the sum of its parts.
KT
Joel Rich

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