Home › Forums › In The News › $5,000.000 donated to Trump by Orthodox Jews, can we afford it?
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November 13, 2019 7:45 am at 7:45 am #1800099HaimyParticipant
There are so many critical financial needs in the frum world. Children without a school to attend, underpaid Rebbeim & Moros, Talmidei Chachomim who aren’t managing financially, Kids at risk who need support, therapy for the emotional pain, etc. the list is endless.
Do we have the luxury to offer 5 million to an aino yehudi manhig? Will this bring us a better return on the money than helping out aniyei v’tzorchei Yisroel? Did an Odom Gadol sign off on this event or was it just another opportunity to show “Who’s Who” in the orthodox world?
The typical American response is that it’s their money, let them spend how they like!. But Chazal tell us that the Ashirim are gisborim of Hashem to be mefarnes the Anyiim, this is why they were given these funds. I believe the tzibbur has a right to question whether such a large donation is appropriate given the many internal tzrochim the frum world has. I hope Daas Torah agreed with this fundraiser.November 13, 2019 8:50 am at 8:50 am #1800217ubiquitinParticipant“Do we have the luxury to offer 5 million to an aino yehudi manhig?”
Who is “we” ? I don’t” Will this bring us a better return on the money than helping out aniyei v’tzorchei Yisroel?”
No” Did an Odom Gadol sign off on this event ”
Looks like everybody in the picture is halachicly a gadol . they are grownups and can make this decision.“or was it just another opportunity to show “Who’s Who” in the orthodox world?”
Yes. Plus a healthy dose of chanifa lemhadrin min hamadrin“. I believe the tzibbur has a right to question”
you absolutely have a right to question. and they have a right to spend their money as they please“whether such a large donation is appropriate given the many internal tzrochim the frum world has.”
Its not” I hope Daas Torah agreed with this fundraiser.”
Why would they?November 13, 2019 8:50 am at 8:50 am #1800218JosephParticipantI assume they used their sushi money for this event. So they’ll be spending less on sushi, steak, entertainment and vacationing for the next six months rather than less on tzedaka.
November 13, 2019 9:33 am at 9:33 am #1800243anonymous JewParticipantWhich will come first, Moshiach or every organization/school/yeshiva seeking funds being open and transparent as to how each penny is being spent ( i.e. more administrative salaries vs better and timely pay for rabbanim,).
Until that happens, don’t be jealous of how money is being spent. After all, you don’t know how much they give to tzadakahNovember 13, 2019 10:45 am at 10:45 am #1800246nebuchParticipantWhat a chutzpah to anyone here making negative comments. These people help support klal yisroel. They give untold amounts of money to so many yeshivos and organizations. How dare you question them. It’s none if your business. Not all money that a person makes has to go to charity. That is a big error that most people make. We should all be makir tov to the ashirim and say thank you. And we should give them the proper kavod like the Torah says we should.
November 13, 2019 10:45 am at 10:45 am #1800247sim_chaParticipantI knew there would be this question. This is the same question asked every time you hear so and so made a wedding for $1MM. “Couldn’t he have made a wedding for $200k? $50k? and given the rest to tzedaka?!?” Yes, yes he could have, but that’s none of your business. You don’t know how much he gives to tzedaka, and even if that number was not up to your approval, it is still none of your business. Now back to the presidential fundraiser, this is the first time in history a US sitting president is so openly pro Israel and the Jews as a whole, showing support for the president is a huge Kiddush HaShem and also an investment by the “big players” in terms of networking… You don’t get too much higher up on the totem pole than the POTUS. No one needs rabbinical permission to spend “sushi money” (thanks Joseph!) It is a tremendous chilul HaShem that the left oppose him so much.
November 13, 2019 10:45 am at 10:45 am #1800256klugeryidParticipantPerhaps! “they” need to think multiple times before spending on this. But that is their job.
“we ” have no right to demand it of them.
(to put it in more stark terms, do you make sure to give every possible dollar that you can afford, to צדקה ? Or do you also have a discretionary spending budget for your wants that are not needs?
So they are blessed with wealth and therefore their discretionary budget is larger than yours. What’s the issue. It’s Not like they did anything wrong.)
If anything this gave Donald a warmer feeling for frum people which all of us will benefit fromNovember 13, 2019 10:45 am at 10:45 am #1800260Reb EliezerParticipantThey are out for their own benefit as Trump is.
November 13, 2019 10:45 am at 10:45 am #1800261laughingParticipantIf the President is so rich why does he need these donations?
November 13, 2019 10:49 am at 10:49 am #1800267AllanParticipantGive it to poor Jews
November 13, 2019 10:51 am at 10:51 am #1800278☕️coffee addictParticipantWere you outraged when this article was posted?
November 13, 2019 10:51 am at 10:51 am #1800279lowerourtuition11210ParticipantNo one person donated $5,000,000. Individuals were charged a certain fee for attending and that money was supposed to be sent on as political contribution. I do not believe I have any “right” to ask these individuals why they chose to spend their money this way.
November 13, 2019 10:51 am at 10:51 am #1800280NOYBParticipant“Do we have the luxury” No. “we” don’t. However, the people who donated do. There is no requirement that every penny of donated money goes to your preferred causes. Look at the names of people who attended. Guys like Ruby Schron give more tzedaka than we could imagine. It is none of our business how gvirim spend their money. They are giving plenty to tzedaka, and they can do whatever they want with the rest of their money.
November 13, 2019 10:52 am at 10:52 am #1800290DovidBTParticipantThe money is well spent if it helps us have a secular government that supports religious freedom and is friendly to Israel.
November 13, 2019 12:12 pm at 12:12 pm #1800311akupermaParticipant1. Paying politicians help the Jewish community is a well established tradition. In many countries these were mere “gifts” (what today is called a bribe). In America, they take the form of political contributions (giving a politician money for living expenses would probably be a bribe).
2. Given that many of the Democratic candidates have positions that would probably be very detrimental to the frum community, it isn’t hard to understand why many frum Yidden would support Trump.
3. If one considers this money could be spent a lavish simachas, expensive houses, or fancy vacations, it seems it is a reasonable expense. Paying off friendly politicians is a worthy cause. Of course supporting full time Torah scholars and supporting the poor in our own community (often the same) is probably a better defense against hostile government policies, but what can’t expect everyoneto be on a high enough madreiga (level) to undertand that.
November 13, 2019 12:13 pm at 12:13 pm #1800321chashParticipantThere are a few good points already referenced above. in short
1. No one has any claim on anyone elses money, as long as their obligations were paid, the rest is their right to use as they see fit. Whether they used it properly or not is non of anyone elses business.
2. there may be validity in supporting a candidate who is good for jews. (whether trump is or isnt is irrelevant to this discussion. if they think he is then it very well may be their duty to support him)November 13, 2019 12:18 pm at 12:18 pm #1800350HowzatParticipantI generally don’t answer on these topics as I was always taught by my father never to look at other people especially when it’s money related but maybe (& just maybe) it’s actually very good they made this party and went.
It’s very possible they connected there with other well-heeled people and they’ll make even more money which would very likely just grow their giving to the charitable causes etc.November 13, 2019 12:25 pm at 12:25 pm #1800378lowerourtuition11210ParticipantI wonder if the OP would have written his/her comments if SY Rechnitz attended. As already noted Ruby Schron attended (one NY real estate mogul) supporting a former NY real estate Mogul.
November 13, 2019 12:26 pm at 12:26 pm #1800391meir GParticipantthe person hopefully innocently asking the question , has no concept of how business, or philanthropy or even how the frum non profit world works i could explain it a bit too long for a blog . so for those that attended or those that didnt all in all it was a wonderful event with long lasting ramifications and so many things that couldve flopped BORUCH HASHEM DIDNT ” kee lashem hamelucha
November 13, 2019 12:41 pm at 12:41 pm #1800398JosephParticipantLOT – Ruby Schron and Donald Trump are longtime business associates.
Did Rav Yisroel Reisman attend? He was initially reported to be scheduled to give the bracha.
November 13, 2019 1:55 pm at 1:55 pm #1800417The little I knowParticipantIf the OP is about those worthy causes wanting yenem’s money, we have an issue of בין אדם לחבירו. And many have commented that the money belongs to them to use how they see fit. If they wish to spend it on travel, luxuries, or writing sifrei Torah, that’s all their business, not mine. I am not entitled to what is not mine.
If the question is about whether these donors are doing Hashem’s will by funneling their money the way they choose, then we are out of line for intruding into someone else’s בין אדם למקום.
Either way, we have no business asking the question or worrying about what any of these donors might answer. We are not entitled to the information or their intentions.
November 13, 2019 4:05 pm at 4:05 pm #1800460ubiquitinParticipantTLIK
It’s about neither of those things.
The OP is not representing the organizations “losing out” by this event. he is not talking to those who paid to try to get them to give their money to something more meaningful next time. It is just hock for hock’s sake .
don’t get me wrong, I love gossiping as much as the next guy, but lets not pretend anybody is looking to fix any actual issue
November 13, 2019 6:52 pm at 6:52 pm #1800583sifsei chachamimParticipantI have an entirely different question. The presidents reelection is projected to cost well over a billion dollars. Does anyone think our community donating less than 00.5% of the reelection cost will be enough for him to be positively predisposed toward our community?
Agav, this is precisely the reason it was labelled a Hakoras Hatov” event.
November 13, 2019 7:18 pm at 7:18 pm #1800590BillyweeParticipantNo-one told me “WE” became Socialists. Please post your address so I know where to send my paycheck.
When YOU decide whats appropriate for me to spend and on what please mail my check to:
Yankel Weiss
613 Torah Ave.
Jew York, Jew YorkNovember 13, 2019 8:14 pm at 8:14 pm #1800605srugimParticipantits not your businesses what someone does with thier hard earned money.
November 13, 2019 9:42 pm at 9:42 pm #1800664N8LAParticipantThe OP makes it sound like this is the first time that klal Yisroel tried to influence a government official to find favor in his eyes. Klal Yisroel has always done it. Does anyone think that the in the story of Nochum Ish Gam Zu, they only sent gifts to the leader because there were no other worthy causes to donate to?? Come on!
November 16, 2019 7:57 pm at 7:57 pm #1801252tralala1Participantwhy is everyone making such a big deal its not the first time that orthodox jews have made a fundraiser for a sitting president?Its happened within the last 5 years
November 16, 2019 10:32 pm at 10:32 pm #1801259GadolhadorahParticipantEvery dollar helps. The poor Trumpkopf and his kinderlach were just ordered to pay $2 million to charities for their family foundation having violated NYS laws governing not-for-profits including having claimed a charitable donation for a $10,000 purchase of a portrait of himself to hang in his golf club. With $5million, think of how many portraits of himself, Eric and Don Jr. he can donate to yiddeshe mosdos. How beautiful it would be if every shul and beis medrash had a portrait of the Donald hanging in the lobby area (like you see in the lobby of post offices, court houses etc.).
November 16, 2019 10:34 pm at 10:34 pm #1801261HaimyParticipantWe have a situation today where very wealthy frum Yidden develop pet projects where they invest millions of dollars in. These are icing on the cake endeavors that make a lot of buzz but are of negligeable benefit to the Torah community at large.
This is while critical needs of the klal like building new schools, supporting lomdei Torah respectably, lowering the costs of chasunahs, tutoring & mentoring programs, making post kollel job training affordable, etc. are falling behind.
This is an issue of bein Odom Lechavriro.
Chazal tell us that the people blessed with unusual wealth are Gisborim, caretakers for the Ribono Shel Olom to help out his children. Rav Ahron Leib Shteynman would obligate Gevirim to give up to 50% of their earnings to Tzedaka. Rav Moshe mentions this several time in Dorash Moshe That that really all the money in the world should be shared equally by society, Hashem decided to give it in an unequal way in order to be mezakeh the Ashirim in Tzedaka vochesed. He says thaey should look at themselves as mere trustees of the Klal.
It’s very possible that this overwhelming support of Trump puts us at risk of intimidating the many people who hate Trump in the local tristate area. Maybe it’s np coincidence that B&H was handed a law suit just a few days later.
Redifas Hakovod & lack of rabbinical guidance leads gevirim to foolishly squander their money when they can create so much good with it.
By society asking questions we can hopefully encourage the trustees of the Klall to put the funds to the most important needs we have.November 17, 2019 12:09 am at 12:09 am #1801271YaapchikParticipantNo need to attack the OP. He asked a few innocent questions which simply show his not understanding the concepts! His questions were good and respectful and many of the answers were too. I’m sure he’s going, “ahha, I didn’t think of it that way!” The fact that Rubashkin was released is precisely because of warm relationships that have been forged and that’s likely why the president even mentioned it! Philanthropy needs to continue and yes, the gevirim are apputrumsim of the Ribono Shel Olam’s money and they are free to do with it as they see fit as long as it is well spent. The Manhattan event is one such example!
November 17, 2019 9:56 am at 9:56 am #1801341GadolhadorahParticipantNo one questions the right of affluent yidden to donate millions of dollars to the political party they believe best reflects their personal and community interests. For decades, certain Chassideshe groups have donated large sums to the Dems in NYS and voted as block for Dem candidates in return for state funding for their mosdos. Thats just the way the system works and yidden, like all other interest groups, have to play by the rules. The ONLY question is whether they “should” rely primarily or entirely on single issue metrics in allocating their political funding.
November 17, 2019 4:15 pm at 4:15 pm #1801447smerelParticipantInitially I questioned the wisdom of spending this money on Trump but figured “well anyone could spend money on whatever they want. Anyone who went made his own decision and spent his own money .There was no communal funds or pressure involved in this anyway…”
Thinking it over I appreciate this event
.Bottom line as the values of the United States keeps moving further away from Torah values the frum community is at a nadir of its political power. We no longer have (e.g.) a Rav Moshe Sherer who was in close contact with powerful government politicians. Secular politicians no longer attend frum political events in support like they once did. etc.
Therefore to have a large frum PAC which has someone as powerful as the president of the US attending is a wonderful development.
November 17, 2019 6:55 pm at 6:55 pm #1801524unomminParticipantGiven the political and policy positions of those running against President Trump, the real question is whether we can afford NOT to support him as best we can.
November 21, 2019 9:15 am at 9:15 am #1802833☢️ Rand0m3x 🎲ParticipantChazal tell us that the people blessed with unusual wealth are Gisborim, caretakers for the Ribono Shel Olom to help out his children. Rav Ahron Leib Shteinman would obligate Gevirim to give up to 50% of their earnings to Tzedaka. Rav Moshe mentions this several time in Dorash Moshe that really all the money in the world should be shared equally by society, Hashem decided to give it in an unequal way in order to be mezakeh the Ashirim in Tzedaka voChesed. He says they should look at themselves as mere trustees of the Klal.
Higher taxes for the rich? Considering income equality ideal?
Rich people’s wealth really belongs to society in general? This
is all a bunch of leftist commie liberal socialist propaganda!
No wonder you don’t approve of people donating to Trump. -
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