Igrot Kodesh · Letter 7546 — Chinuch

By the grace of Hashem,

18 Teves* 5721,

Brooklyn,

I greet you and bless you,

I am responding to your letter of this Friday, the eve of the holy Shabbos*, in which you speak to me of the amount that was collected for Tzedakah* in your city, in relation to the situation of the holy institution located there, on condition that instructions be given from here regarding the allocation of this sum. Quite obviously, one must first consider what should be done according to the Shulchan Aruch*. In this case, the Halachah* establishes, in the most precise manner, that one does not modify the destination of a Tzedakah*, especially when it was collected from other persons (note 1: When it is not a personal contribution, the destination of which one can decide oneself), who gave it for a specific cause. In such a case, to the extent that the allocation is not made by those who personally contributed, this constitutes not merely a change of destination, but also, properly speaking, theft.

Nevertheless, the existence of this holy institution is particularly necessary for your city and your region. Efforts are being made to keep it functioning, and this is done with devotion, warmth, light, and enthusiasm. It is therefore absolutely certain that one receives the help and success of Hashem in this matter, so that not only will this institution be able to maintain its current situation, but it will furthermore develop and expand, in conformity with the Injunction of our holy Torah*, according to which "one knows only elevation in the domain of holiness."

May Hashem grant that the example and the action of the leaders, in all that has just been said, broaden the blessings of Hashem in all their needs, as well as in those of their families, to whom Hashem will grant long days and good years. It is essential that this influence a great number of our brothers, the children of Israel, in your region. They will do the same and, in turn, they will come to the aid of this holy institution, in order to strengthen it and expand it, as I have said, adding ceaselessly, illuminating ever more. With my blessing for success in your sacred mission,

What has just been said regarding the prohibition against modifying the destination of a Tzedakah* applies, as the Decisors specify, to the past (note 2: To amounts already collected). On the other hand, the principal leaders of the two parties (note 3: Between which the allocation must be made) can consult together so that in the future, the result of the collection be allocated in the manner that is fitting, in place of the grant that was accorded.