38 Walter Jacob Uziel Yoreh Deah 2:41)

QUESTION: A donor has given a tithe to the synagogue to be used for general purposes. Has he fulfilled his zedakah obligations?

ANSWER: He has done so as these funds can be used for the poor and associated needs. Gifts given to other causes to which he may be obligated, however, do not fulfill his zedakah requirements.

(Mish-p tei Uziel 3:7)

Solomon B. Freehof(1897-1991), Pittsburgh

QUESTION: Does Judaism set priorities in a world of diminishing food supplies?

ANSWER: The Jewish legal literature provided for priorities within the Jewish community. Family needs came first; then within the broader community women before men, the learned before others, and ones own community before others. We can apply these principles to the broader world situation.(Reform Responsa for Our Time 13)

Walter Jacob(1930-), Pittsburgh

QUESTION: Should Reform Jews contribute to organizations inimical to Reform Judaism?

ANSWER: We make no distinctions in alleviating poverty as well as assisting the basic institutions of our communities. We should not assist organizations, however, that promote hostility to Reform Judaism.(Contemporary American Reform Responsa# 25)