While the needs of Klal Yisrael are great, and the desire to give is part of the essence of every Jew, funds are limited, and we must know how to prioritize our Tzedakah distribution.  As discussed in our most recent Tzedakah booklet, Chazal instituted a system of prioritizing the distribution of charity.  The top priority (as discussed in the last Tzedaka booklet) is the support of one’s own needy relatives, with the closest relatives to be supported first.

This sugya explores the concept of Aniyei Ircha Kodmim, which dictates preference to those who reside closest to one’s home.  This means that after meeting one’s family obligations, one should distribute the majority of one’s remaining tzedakah to local community needs.

The next category in the list of priorities is aniyei Eretz Yisroel.

One issue heavily debated by the Achronim is the status of individuals whose roots are in a Chutz La’aretz community, but have relocated to Eretz Yisroel.  Do they retain the “Aniyei Ircha” status, or are they now considered Aniyei Eretz Yisroel?  For example, the talmidim of the Gra and Ba’al Shem Tov, who moved to Eretz Yisroel but were supported by their home communities in Europe.  Many of these Tzedaka organizations still exist today (i.e. Kollel Shomrei Hachomos (Hungary), Kollel Chibas Yerushalayim (Galicia), etc.), and support their descendants.

The status and priority of Aniyei Eretz Yisroel has daily ramifications, as there is a constant influx of collectors from Eretz Yisroel).  There are also regular fundraisers for our brethren in Eretz Yisroel due to the current situation there.

Some of the questions discussed:

• ·         What defines Aniyei Ircha?
• ·         Are there priorities/preferences within the category of Aniyei Ircha?  For example: immediate neighbors, shul, chabura member, etc.
• ·         Does a relative in another city take precedence over your neighbor?
• ·         What if both recipients are in need, but the other city’s needs are stronger, for example: a crisis, fire, hunger?  Does the other city then take precedence over Aniyei Ircha?
• ·         Do Aniyei Eretz Yisroel take precedence over local aniyim?
• ·         Do Aniyei Yerushalayim take precedence of other Aniyei Eretz Yisroel?  Are the new city borders of Yerushalayim included within the definition of Yerushalayim?

Since these Halachos are very detailed and nuanced, we included a brief synopsis from one of our contemporary Poskim on this subject.

Please note: this sugya does not discuss the unique preference of Talmidei Chachamim and supporting Mosdos Hatorah. This will be discussed in a separate booklet.