I have several regular charities I give to, but this year I am unable to keep up my level of giving due to salary cuts. Is it better for me to cut out a few charities, or to reduce or minimize my level of giving to all of them?

My guide to anyting related to Tzedakah is my friend and mentor, Danny Siegel.  The ultimate 'mensch' about all things Tzedakah, he has helped to raise Tzedakah consciousness around the world in so many tangible ways (you can learn more about him and read some of his articles and musings at www.dannysiegel.org ).  His books cover a wide range of Tzedakah topics and of course, your question is addressed in one of them entitled, Tzedakah:  Time for a Change, published by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.  He cites many wonderful sources which help us to consider your question in a Jewish context.

Let's see

"Charity" works on several levels

 

1. Most obviously the good it does for the recipient(s)

2 Less obviously: the good it does for the donor.

 

In terms of doing more Mitzvot and Kindness - giving $1 one hundred times will impact one's psyche more profoundly than writing one single check for $100. Imagine walking one mile a day versus running 7 miles once a week. A daily ritual is usually more beneficial

 

Jewish Literature on this is vast. EG when gifting a Kohein [Priest] one should NOT spread it around too much. Rather any gift must have its own significant amount Re: Purim we have a Dichotomy. Namely:

 

A One extravagant set of Manot to one dear friend seems to trump many modest offerings.

 

B. OTOH, when gifting the poor, many small donations trump one big one. In fact one is obligated to "spread the wealth around" to a minimum of Two Indigent people.

 

It seems therefore it all depends upon the donor's ability

 

EG if a donor gives EG $20 to 20 charities, reducing each one in half makes a lot of sense - though less dollars

 

However, if many of the donations are modest to begin with [and that is subjective] I would suggest suspending those until "Happier Days are Here Again"

 

I would suggest that if one has a "dearest" charity, to try to preserve one's level at the expense of the others.

 

Shalom< RRW

 

In the current economical situation many find themselves in your same situation. Salary cuts are common as are lay-offs of all people. This is not an issue of class, profession, ethnicity, religion, race…it is a product of our economy. Non-profits, secular and Jewish, are finding it necessary to cut their budgets. In light of this, the Talmud teaches many valuable lessons about how much one should give including an upper limit, “One who wishes to donate [generously] should not give more than a fifth of his income, lest he himself come to be in need of charity.” Babylonian Talmud, Ketubot 50a. Levels of giving are a private matter. My recommendation is to give what you are able and not feel badly. Look at your giving patterns and reduce as needed in proportion to your current salary.

 

As the economy improves, you will once again be able to raise your level of giving. Our rabbis teach that life is like a revolving wheel. People who never imagined they would be faced with decisions such as the one you share; or may be in need of financial assistance themselves are questioning how they can give to others and maintain their own well being. We must realize that perception is reality. It is difficult to know from the outside what one’s financial situation is like. In the end, we never know when we will be in need of taking charity when once we were the ones who gave.

 

People don’t often ask the question you posed. Many find it difficult to admit their financial troubles. Today, many are living on significantly less than they are accustomed and giving less as well. Despite this, “even a poor man who himself survives on charity should give charity.” Babylonian Talmud, Gittin 7b.

 

Giving financial resources are important. Giving of time is also an option. With budget cuts, more charities are dependent on volunteers to help where once there may have been paid staff. You might also be able to donate in-kind contributions base on what you do for a living. When your wheel again turns then you will be able to return to level of giving for which you were once capable. Now it is important to remember all are created B’tzelem Elohim, in God’s image and all people are worthy of Kavod, honor and respect. You honor both yourself and others giving as you are able.