By: Family Loan Fund
One of the most common questions among Jews who take mitzvos seriously is:
“I want to give generously. But I heard you can’t give more than 20% of your income. Is that true?”
The answer — like much in Torah — isn’t one-size-fits-all. And it goes far deeper than just numbers.
Let’s unpack what Chazal, the Chafetz Chaim, and generations of poskim say — and what’s been misunderstood.
📜 Where Does the 20% Limit Come From?
The Gemara (Kesubos 50a) says:
“המבזבז אל יבזבז יותר מחומש”
“One who gives away wealth should not give more than a fifth (20%).”
This became halacha, cited by the Rambam (Hilchos Matanos Aniyim 7:5) and the Shulchan Aruch (YD 249:1).
But what many forget is that this rule is based on a Takana (decree) made by Chazal in the city of Usha — and it wasn’t meant for every person or every case.
🛑 Who Was the Takana of Usha Really For?
The sages in Usha were dealing with a generation of emotional givers — people who had no steady income and would give beyond their means in bursts of idealism.
- A farmer who had a good year — but didn’t know if next year would bring drought.
- A businessman who sold a big shipment — but had no ongoing sales pipeline.
- Someone who inherited a sum, but had no reliable income to replace what he gave away.
And more importantly, the takana addressed people who were actively going out into the world to give — traveling, seeking recipients, pouring their hearts into generosity.
They feared such people would act beyond their limits and later come begging themselves.
✅ Who Is Not Limited by This Takana?
- Someone with a regular income (like a salaried employee, a business owner, or contractor with steady work).
- Someone who lives simply and safely, and has clear surplus each month.
- Someone who gives from home, passively responding to needs without aggressively seeking causes.
In other words: the 20% cap doesn’t apply across the board.
If you make $5,000 a week and only need $1,000 to live — you’re allowed, even encouraged, to give far more than 20%.
📘 What the Chafetz Chaim Actually Says (Ahavas Chesed, Chelek Rishon, Chapter 2)
The Chafetz Chaim rules very clearly that the 20% limit is a protective measure — not a ceiling on generosity. And he lists several cases where going above 20% is either permitted or obligatory:
✔️ 1. Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life)
If someone’s life is in danger — due to hunger, illness, eviction, or abuse — the 20% rule is suspended.
You’re obligated to help, as much as you can.
✔️ 2. Wealthy Individuals
If giving 30%, 40%, or even 70% won’t touch your lifestyle or your security — you’re not only allowed to give more, you should.
✔️ 3. Extraordinary Mitzvah Opportunities
A mikvah needs building. A cheder is in danger. A Torah family is collapsing under debt.
These are situations where the Chafetz Chaim says: go beyond your usual limit.
✔️ 4. Supporting Torah — No Upper Limit
When it comes to sustaining Torah learning, yeshivos, avreichim, chadarim, or the klal’s spiritual infrastructure —
there is no restriction.
The Chafetz Chaim says explicitly: the 20% limit does not apply when the Torah itself is in need.
Holding back under the excuse of “halacha” in such cases is not piety — it’s a misreading.
💡 So What Should You Do?
- If you have modest means: Use the 20% cap as your general rule.
- If you have real surplus or wealth: Go beyond it, especially if the need is pressing or eternal.
- If you’re supporting Torah institutions or talmidei chachamim: Give what your soul tells you, not just what the calculator says.
🔄 Final Thought
The takana of Usha wasn’t made to make people stingy. It was made to protect those who had no idea what tomorrow might bring.
But if you’re living with bracha, with security, with steady income — you’re playing by different rules.
Tzedakah tatzil mimaves — Tzedakah saves from death.
And even more so — it builds life. Yours and others’.
*For guidance in structuring your giving, or for a printable halachic tzedakah guide based on Ahavas Chesed and the Chafetz
Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom 
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