It might seem then that our question depends on the differing approaches to the gemara. Without delving deeply into this question, most treat it like a gabbai (see Tzitz Eliezer XVI, 29 and Tzedakah U’Mishpat 8:(25)). There is much discussion among Acharonim on the questiion if the status of a tzedakah box is like that of a gabbai or not. The Beit Yosef (Yoreh Deah 259) finds difficulty fitting the Rambam’s explanation into the gemara and incorporates only Rashi’s into his halachic work (Shulchan Aruch YD 259:1). The Rambam (Matnot Ani’im 8:4) seems to relate the gemara to switching the coins to different ones of the same cumulative value. Rashi and Tosafot (ad loc.) explain that the donor could lend the money to himself or to others before he gave the assigned money to the gabbai. Rishonim differ as to the meaning of “changing” money. It explains that he did so in order to tell others that there were no liquid funds, and people would give more. Once it reaches the gabbai’s hand, it is forbidden to change it.” The gemara asks from the story of Rabbi Yannai, who borrowed tzedakah money after it reached the gabbai. Is this required?Īnswer: The gemara (Arachin 6a) says: “: ‘This coin shall go to tzedakah,’ before it reaches the gabbai’s hand (the one in charge of tzedakah), it is permitted to change it. Many people are careful not to take full change but to leave a donation in the box. Question: Often one who wants to give tzedakah (charity) to collectors but lacks sufficient small change “makes change” from the synagogue’s tzedakah box. Shabbat Parashat Lech Lecha| 5765 Ask the Rabbi

Synagogue tzedakah box