Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
Is it preferable to give charity anonymously or with fanfare?
Levels of Tzedakah
Anonymous Tzedakah
There are a numerous levels of tzedakah (Jewish charity). The Rambam (Maimonides) rules (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:8) that the ideal way to give tzedakah is for both the donor and recipient to remain anonymous, because in this manner the mitzvah is done lishmah, with pure intent. The giver doesn’t feel superior or that the recipient is indebted to him, and the recipient is protected from embarrassment. Today, this ideal can be realized by giving tzedakah through reputable organizations that distribute money to numerous needy people in a way that no one knows who gave and who received.
While anonymity may be the ideal approach, donating tzedakah publicly is still a great mitzvah (good deed). Some mistakenly believe that if their intentions are influenced by selfish motives, it’s better not to give at all. But this is not the case. The Talmud (Pesachim 8a) teaches that even someone who says, “I am giving charity so that my child shall live in the merit of the mitzvah” is still considered a complete tzaddik (righteous person). Even if a person is seeking to gain recognition or some other benefit, that does not mean he doesn’t also want to fulfill the mitzvah. So although our ultimate goal should be to give with pure intentions, free from desire for fame or honor, giving tzedakah is a mitzvah, regardless of the motive.
Your Good Actions Influence Others
Additionally, at times there are other factors to consider. It is important to think about how our actions may influence others. As the Mishnah Berurah (1:6) writes, although serving Hashem (God) out of the public eye is generally preferred, if performing a mitzvah in front of others will arouse them to serve Hashem, it should be done in public.
This principle applies to tzedakah (charity) as well. Publicly giving tzedakah can serve as an inspiration for others to donate, while refraining from donating may have the opposite effect. Indeed, when there is a fundraiser for a worthy cause or institution, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ruled that it is preferable to publicize your donation, as announcing the names of donors and their contributions can create a ripple effect. When people see others donating, they are often motivated to give or feel pressured to join in and avoid feeling left out. But if people remain quiet and refrain from giving publicly, even if they plan to donate privately, it can stall the momentum and hurt the overall success of the fundraiser.
Ongoing Zechutim (Merits)
It is also appropriate to publicize a donation when dedicating an enduring gift, such as a Sefer Torah (Torah scroll), shul (synagogue), or yeshivah (Torah learning institution) in memory of a loved one. Such a contribution is everlasting, with each use of the Sefer Torah or shul continuing to accrue merit for the soul. Placing their name on the gift turns the abstract dedication into a concrete, physical one, making a stronger and lasting impact in the world. It also encourages others to think of them while being used, bringing additional honor and pleasure to their soul.
In short: The ideal way to give tzedakah is anonymously, so it will be done with proper intentions and avoid embarrassing the recipient. However, one should not refrain from giving if recognition is a motivating factor. Public donations are preferable when they inspire others to give or when dedicating something in memory of the deceased, which will bring honor and pleasure to the soul.
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