Introduction
In Jewish law, tzedakah (charity) isn’t just about kindness—it’s about priorities. The Torah gives us a specific order for who comes first when giving, and following that order isn’t optional—it’s halachah.
This article addresses a difficult but important truth: sometimes, even Torah institutions and kollels—while doing amazing work—may unknowingly overshadow or neglect individuals who are truly in need and halachically come first.
Let’s set the record straight, according to Torah.
A Torah Scholar in Need Comes First—If He’s Truly in Need
If a Torah scholar cannot cover rent, food, clothing, or medical expenses, he is considered among the truly poor and must be helped like anyone else in that position. In such a case, he has priority—not because he’s a scholar, but because he’s in need.
But if the scholar is already making ends meet—his bills are paid and his home is stable—then raising his stipend to improve his comfort level comes after helping those who are still struggling to survive.
This is not about who is more honorable. It’s about what the Torah says is more urgent.
1. Giving for Honor or Prestige Misses the Point
Tosafot on Bava Batra 9a says:
“This is not true charity if the intention is for honor.”
Giving tzedakah to gain recognition or boost a cause’s status is not real tzedakah. If wealthy donors are influenced to give to large institutions while needy families can’t pay for groceries or rent, the giving is out of order.
2. Chasam Sofer: If One Poor Person Is Left Behind, It’s a Disgrace
The Chasam Sofer writes that if even one poor person is left uncared for, while the community is pursuing institutional growth and glory, then:
“Their glory becomes disgrace.”
No program, no campaign, and no Torah institution has the right to ignore the truly needy. A community is measured not by how many buildings it funds—but by how many people it refuses to abandon.
3. The Halachic Order of Giving – Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De’ah 250–251
The Torah sets this clear order:
- Yourself
- Close family
- The poor in your own city
- The poor in other cities
- Strangers and travelers
- Converts and newcomers
- Only then: Torah scholars—unless they are truly poor
Any tzedakah fund or campaign that overrides this order is not aligned with halachah.
4. Charity Must Follow Instructions and Fairness – Yoreh De’ah 257:7
A charity collector (gabai tzedakah) must follow the donor’s wishes and act fairly. He cannot favor certain people or causes unless instructed.
If an organization persuades donors to give in ways that ignore those who are in serious need, it’s stepping into dangerous halachic territory.
5. Rambam: Ignoring the Poor Is a Torah Violation
Rambam writes that ignoring a person in need is not just wrong—it violates a negative commandment:
“Anyone who averts his eyes from the poor… transgresses a Torah prohibition.”
Redirecting donations away from truly needy people can lead to serious halachic consequences.
6. “Your Brother Shall Live With You” – Vayikra 25:36
This verse teaches us that the life and survival of another Jew comes first. Supporting Torah learning is powerful—but not before basic needs like housing, food, and health are covered.
Helping Torah Institutions—But Not at the Expense of the Needy
Yes, building Torah institutions is a tremendous mitzvah. Supporting kollels and scholars strengthens the spiritual fabric of our community. But when large organizations reach wealthy donors and those donors are no longer accessible to local rabbis or modest charity campaigns, it creates a deep imbalance.
Many families—those who aren’t in kollels, who aren’t public figures, who may even be struggling emotionally—fall through the cracks. And these are the very people the Torah says must come first.
What’s the solution?
If an organization has access to large donors, it should first coordinate with local rabbanim and tzedakah networks to ensure that basic needs in the community are being met. Only then should it begin raising funds for its own programs.
This is not just ethical—it’s halachah.
The Bottom Line
- A Torah scholar who is truly poor comes first, just like any other person in need.
- A Torah scholar who is stable and wants more comfort waits in line, after the poor are taken care of.
- Organizations and leaders must not redirect or monopolize wealthy donors in ways that harm the local poor.
- Donors should ask: Am I giving where the Torah says I should give first?
“If one poor person is left behind, the glory of the community is a disgrace.” – Chasam Sofer
Let’s support Torah with our hearts and our halachic integrity. The true kavod haTorah is when we give the right way—to those who need it most.
Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom 
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