The custom of giving Tzedaka during Davening when saying the words “Veata Moshel Bakol”:[1]

Background: The Poskim[2] rule, based on the Talmud[3], that it is proper to give charity prior to Davening [i.e. Shemoneh Esrei[4]].[5] Doing so helps to remove foreign thoughts from entering one’s mind during prayer.[6] Likewise, doing so draws down Divine revelation and inspiration into one’s thoughts during the prayer.[7] [Practically, it is no longer customary to give charity immediately prior to Shemoneh Esrei in order not to make an interval between Geula and Tefila or in Birchas Shema, and rather it is given at an earlier point, with majority of people accustomed to give it prior to the start of Hodu, and so is the proper thing to do.[8] Below we will discuss the custom of giving charity while saying the words “Veata Moshel Bakol,” and if the charity should also be given prior to Davening or if it may be given only at that point and not also prior to the start of Hodu.]

The law: The Poskim[9] rule, based on the teachings of the Arizal[10], that one is to give the charity in a standing position while saying the words “Veata Moshel Bakol” [in the paragraph of Vayivarech David].[11]

Must one follow this custom? This is considered a good custom, which traditionally should be followed likewise by the children of those who are accustomed to do so.[12] Certainly, one who already began this custom is not to discontinue it.[13] Nonetheless, this is not considered an obligatory custom, and thus one who desires to follow it may do so if it does not disturb him during his prayer, and one who does so is blessed.[14] [However, if one fears that will disturb his prayer, then he should suffice with his giving of charity prior to the start of the prayer.]

Should one also give Tzedaka before Hodu? Although through giving charity by the words “Veata Moshel Bakol” one seemingly fulfills the mitzvah of giving charity prior to Shemoneh Esrei[15], nonetheless, practically even one who does so is to also give charity prior to the start of the entire prayer.[16] [There was once an individual who was accustomed to giving charity twice, one time prior to the start of the prayer and a second time by the paragraph of Vayivarech David, and one time he did not give, and he was reprimanded in a dream for not doing so.[17]]

How much charity should one give?[18] The custom of the Arizal was to give a total of three coins to charity upon saying the words “Veata Moshel Bakol.” At first, he would give two coins to charity and then give another third coin to charity. [This custom is omitted from the Shulchan Aruch of Admur, and the Rebbes writings.]

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[1] See Admur 51:11; 92:10; Igros Kodesh 11:324 [13th Menachem Av 5715]; Toras Menachem 5742 4:1953 and 2170; Shulchan Menachem 1:149-153; Kovetz Or Yisrael 16:137; Piskeiy Teshuvos 51:2

[2] Admur 92:10; Michaber O.C. 92:10; Y.D. 249:14; Tur 92:10; Rambam Hilchos Matanos Aniyim 10:15; Taz 92:4; Siddur Im Dach p. 18; Tanya Igeres Hakodesh 8; Piskeiy Teshuvos 46:2

[3] Bava Basra 10a “Rebbe Eliezer Yahiv Peruta Leanai Vehadar Matzli”

[4] Igros Kodesh 11:324 and 19:71 that the intent of Tefila, and Hadar Matzli, is Shemoneh Esrei, and that so is implied from the fact that this Halacha is recorded in Chapter 92, the laws of Shemoneh Esrei

[5] The reason: As the verse [Tehillim 17:15] states “Ani Betzedek Echazeh Panecha/I, with charity I will see Your face.” [Admur ibid; Bava Basra ibid]

[6] Likkutei Torah Ki Savo

[7] Tanya ibid; See also Shevet Hamussar 31; Kedushas Levi Parshas Vayechi

[8] Igros Kodesh 11:324; 19:71 “Its time is best prior to the entire prayer”; Kaf Hachaim 51:44; 92:45; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid

[9] Admur 51:11; M”A 51:7; Shelah Bayis Hagadol 3; P”M 92 M”Z 30; Shalmei Tzibur p. 70; Kesher Gudal 7:43; Beis Oveid 1; M”B 51:19; Kaf Hachaim 51:44

[10] Siddur Arizal; Shaar Hakavanos Tefilas Shachar p. 18; Peri Eitz Chaim 7:5; Shulchan Aruch Harizal Hilchos Tzedaka that so was the custom of the Arizal

[11] The reason: The reason for this is because charity is a positive command and it is proper to fulfill the command while standing. For this reason, he gave it during the paragraph of Vayevarech David, being that we need to stand while reciting it. Now, the reason it is given specifically during the words of “Veata Moshel Bakol” is because the term Kol refers to the divine presence, and it is proper to give charity to the divine presence the attribute of Malchus, and to this each individual should have intent when giving charity at this point. [Shulchan Aruch Harizal ibid; Toras Menachem 5742 4:1953]

[12] Igros Kodesh 19:71

[13] Kaf Hachaim 92:45

[14] Toras Menachem 5742 4:2170

[15] P”M 92 M”Z 30; Igros Kodesh 19:71

[16] Igros Kodesh 19:71; Toras Menachem 5742 4:1953 and 2170 “They need to give charity also by the beginning of the day, before prayer”; Kaf Hachaim 92:45

The reason: As the giving of charity prior to prayer and while saying the words “Veata Moshel Bakol” are listed as two separate laws in two different chapters [i.e. chapter 51 and 92] hence implying that they are meant to be two different times of giving charity. Likewise, the intent of the giving during “Veata Mishel Bakol” versus prior to prayer are completely different and even contradictory. [Igros Kodesh 19:71]

[17] Shaar Hakavanos Tefilas Shachar p. 18; Peri Eitz Chaim 7:5; Shalmei Tzibur p. 70; Kesher Gudal 7:43; Beis Oveid 1; Kaf Hachaim 51:44

[18] Shaar Hakavanos Tefilas Shachar p. 18; Peri Eitz Chaim 7:5; Shalmei Tzibur p. 70; Kesher Gudal 7:43; Beis Oveid 1; Kaf Hachaim 51:44