Giving Tzedaka at night:[1]

A. The law:

Based on Kabbalah, one is to avoid giving charity at night [until midnight, if he is able to give the charity during daytime].[2] [However, from the letter of the law it is certainly permitted to do so, and it is not considered a Mitzvah Habah Baveira[3], and there are many who are not accustomed to be stringent in this.[4]]

After midnight:[5] After midnight, one may give charity.

B. Cases of exception:

If a pauper or campaign is collecting at night: Even one who is generally stringent in this, if he is unable to give the charity during daytime, then it may be given at night.[6] Hence, if a pauper is asking for charity at night, then he may and must be given charity.[7] [Likewise, if a charity campaign will expire at night, one may give charity at night.]

Inconspicuous giving: Some Poskim[8] rule that if one gives the charity inconspicuously [i.e. anonymously] then there is no issue.

Placing in charity box and making a pledge: Some Poskim[9] explain that the entire issue is to give the charity to the pauper at night, however, to designate the charity at night and give it the next day is not a problem. Thus, one may put charity money in a charity box at night if its funds will only be distributed to paupers during daytime. Certainly, one may pledge the charity at night and give it the next day.[10] ]The Rebbe himself was accustomed to place charity in Pushka’s at night, and relates that one time in the days of the Rebbe Rayatz he was told off by an individual for doing so due to the Arizal’s warning, and the Rebbe Raytaz replied to him that seemingly that individual does not give charity even by day.[11]]

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[1] Arizal in Shaar Hakavanos Tefilas Arvis 1; Peri Eitz Chaim Mincha Maariv 1; Nagid Mitzvah Tefilas Shacharis; Siddur Rashkav; Birkeiy Yosef O.C. 235:1, Y.D. 247:2; Avodas Hakodesh Kesher Gudal 24:14; Elya Raba 92:12; Siddur Yaavetz Beis Yaakov Beis Hei Baleilos 8; Shulchan Hatahor 235:4; Maharsham 2:43; Kaf Hachaim 235:4; Darkei Chaim Veshalom 319; Divrei Torah 1:117; Derech Emuna 7:1; Igros Kodesh 2:152; Sichas Kodesh 5734 2:435; Toras Menachem 5744 1:262; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 257; Pesakim Uteshuvos 249:15; See Yerushalmi Shekalim 5:4; Shulchan Menachem 5:109; Yabia Omer 9 Y.D. 15

Other opinions: Some write that even according to the Arizal one may give charity at night, and it is just that the Kavanos are not the same. [Birkeiy Yosef ibid in name of Mahariy Tzemach; Pesach Eiynayim Bava Kama 16b; Implication of Shaar Hakavanos ibid]

[2] The reason: As nighttime is a time of Gevuros. [Siddur Rashkav] And giving charity at this time ignites the severities. [Shulchan Hatahor] And cause sthem to nurture from the holiness and receive more vitality than intended. [Igros Kodesh 2:152]

[3] Pesach Eiynayim Bava Kama 16b

[4] Elya Raba 92:12

[5] Sichas Kodesh 5734 2:435

[6] All Poskim in next footnote; Divrei Torah 1:117; Shulchan Hatahor ibid; Yagdil Torah 177

[7] Siddur Yaavetz Beis Yaakov Beis Hei Baleilos 8; Kisei Rachamim of Chida; Shemen Sason 3:64; Meil Tzedakah 1146; Derech Emuna 7:1; Igros Kodesh 2:152 [that doing so does not increase the nurture of the Kelipos, as Hashem Himself has arranged for this obligation to take place]; See Hearos Ubiurim Ohalei Torah Gilyon 49; Pesakim Ueteshuvos ibid

[8] Maharsham 2:43; Shulchan Hatahor ibid;

[9] Betzel Hachochmah 3:32; Yagdil Torah 177; Toras Menachem 5744 1:262

[10] Toras Menachem 5744 1:262

[11] Toras Menachem 15:49