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This contains the Halakhic rulings of many different Rabbis on the matter of changing the destination of money given for Tzedaka. It includes the original rulings that were publicized in Brisk in 1821, including that of R. Aryeh Leib Katzenellenbogen and R. Hayyim of Volozhin. In this update, the legal pronouncements that are added are from R. Samuel Salant, R. Yitzhak Elhonon Spektor, (whose letter is entitled Yesod Ha Maaleh) and others.
This lot was issued in response to disputes with the Rebbe Meir Ba'al ha-Nes charities and their control. Beginning with the 18th century a Rebbe Meir Ba'al ha-Nes box was found in almost every Jewish home, and housewives dropped small change into it just before kindling the Sabbath lights. Due to the miraculous deeds connected with the tomb of Rebbe Meir, it was customary to contribute money, candles, or oil for lighting as a specific protection against all kinds of ailments and dangers; it was also done in the hope of finding something lost, of having children, or of driving away evil thoughts. It is clear, however, that the box also symbolized the longing for Erez Israel where the money was distributed through several competitive Kollels. |
