One week before the holiday, we discover our mailbox stuffed with letters

seeking donations. A reminder from the local synagogue, three appeals

from various Israeli institutions, requests from a symphony orchestra, self-proclaimed

friends of nature, and the fraternal order of police, topped off with a

request from a toy drive for a children’s hospital.

As you consider replying to some of them, you recall that your cousin recently

asked to borrow a significant sum—he is out of work and in trouble with his

mortgage. Have you any obligation to help? In deciding to assist, how should

you determine your priorities? What about the two pitiful beggars you encounter

each morning on your commute to work?

While charity is globally acclaimed, we still need to discover its guidelines. Are

synagogue dues charity? What about our taxes—do they not assist the poor and

the sick? Could a percentage of our tax money be considered charity?