Is it ok to take money from the government because you are learning, if you are capable of getting a job? How about not being forthcoming about all income/ assets?
Is there a difference in Israel and Chutz la'aretz?
Taking Money From The Government
Started by
yid
, Aug 17 2012 12:57 AM
3 replies to this topic
#2
Rabbi Shapiro
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Posted 26 August 2012 - 04:10 PM
The question really is, is it OK to get a job if you are capable of taking money from the government and learning?
That is assuming, of course, you are honest about it. So yes, you must be forthcoming about your assets.
And then of course yes, you can take the money and learn.
I assume your question about whether there is a difference between Israel and other countries is regarding whether you must disclose the truth. The answer is no, there is no difference.
That is assuming, of course, you are honest about it. So yes, you must be forthcoming about your assets.
And then of course yes, you can take the money and learn.
I assume your question about whether there is a difference between Israel and other countries is regarding whether you must disclose the truth. The answer is no, there is no difference.
#3
yid
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Posted 26 August 2012 - 04:56 PM
Thank you Rabbi Shapiro for your reply, I appreciate having a place to openly discuss my thoughts.
1.How about what it says in pirkei avos (I think) that it is better to take a demeaning job rather than rely on the charity of others?
2.I also assume the intention of the government in offering such programs is to provide for those unable to provide for themselves. It seems wrong to take advantage of the system i.e. the ends doesn't justify the means/ mitzvah ba baveirah.
3.Are there any halachic sources for this practice?
What I meant about Israel is if one believes that there should not be a Jewish state should one not take money and thus benefit from the state created in violation of halacha?
1.How about what it says in pirkei avos (I think) that it is better to take a demeaning job rather than rely on the charity of others?
2.I also assume the intention of the government in offering such programs is to provide for those unable to provide for themselves. It seems wrong to take advantage of the system i.e. the ends doesn't justify the means/ mitzvah ba baveirah.
3.Are there any halachic sources for this practice?
What I meant about Israel is if one believes that there should not be a Jewish state should one not take money and thus benefit from the state created in violation of halacha?
#4
Rabbi Shapiro
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Posted 31 August 2012 - 09:48 AM
1. It doesn't say that in Pirkei Avos. You're referring to the Rambam that a person should not take charity in order to learn. Besides the question of whether the Rambam is applicable here, first, the Halacha, and common custom, is not like that Rambam - see Rama YD 246 and nosei keilim there. Second, it is likely that even the Rambam would agree that nowadays such a practice would be permitted because of עת לעשות - see Shach 246:20.
2. There is no aveirah involved if you do not fool anyone or break any laws, regardless of the government's motives for the distribution.
3. Yes, see the Shulchan Aruch and nosei keilim I cited above.
2. There is no aveirah involved if you do not fool anyone or break any laws, regardless of the government's motives for the distribution.
3. Yes, see the Shulchan Aruch and nosei keilim I cited above.
