May 27, 2021; Sivan 16, 5781
Halacha – Jewish Law Question: During a charity appeal, may one pledge an amount of money greater than he intends to donate if he feels that the larger pledge will serve to encourage others who are participating in the appeal to donate more? The Gemara (Sukkah 29A-29B) says that there are four practices of the wealthy and influential that cause their assets to be expropriated by the government: 1) Retaining IOUs that have already been paid; 2) Lending money with interest; 3) Failing to use their influence to rebuke others when they witness wrongdoing; and 4) Not fulfilling their monetary pledges to charity...