November 27, 2006

Next Time, Try a Little Humilty

I try my best to remain positive on this blog, but the following incident which occurred to me today got me so miffed I just had to vent.

Begin rant:

I'm out in my front yard this morning, putting away my Sukkah, and up walks a gentleman who is collecting for a yeshiva called Hechal HaTorah (I didn't see if the yeshiva was in Israel or New York; the gentleman spoke perfect English with a New York accent, so I'm assuming the later). I looked at his letter from the Agudah, saw that the date was current and the "Standard Donation" box was checked. If this gentleman would have approached me in shul, it's likely I would have given him a dollar. I'm personally of the opinion that just because someone comes to my home doesn't mean I need to break out the check book. So I offered him a dollar, and although I wasn't really surprised, my offer was met with scorn. The gentleman told me that nobody gives a dollar these days, that was for his parents generation. As he turned to leave, I quoted him a passage from Mishlei, to which he pshawed. I concluded our discussion by telling him to get lost.

What bothers me the most about this incident is the sense of entitlement this guy had. I have never heard of his yeshiva, I don't know him at all, and I'm willing to bet that his school is just a bit antagonistic to my hashkafa. Yet there was a presumption that I'm supposed to open up my wallet with little to no justification. Never mind the fact that this guy didn't even inquire as to my financial situation, my tuition situation, but just assumed that he was entitled to a more than standard donation. And it's actions like this that make it all the more difficult for other honest and respectful people who collect (which is not an easy job in and of itself).

End rant.

Posted by Greg at November 27, 2006 12:02 AM in | TrackBack
Comments

Yeah, that dude was collecting in Shomrei this morning.

Posted by: Jewboy at November 27, 2006 10:44 AM

He was also at Shaarei Zion on Sunday.

Posted by: Warren Moon at November 27, 2006 2:47 PM

Did you happen to catch if he was from NY or Israel? Not that it matters, but I'd feel a little less bad about it (despite the fact that I think I was right) if he was from NY. ;)

Posted by: Greg at November 27, 2006 2:49 PM

Greg, you should call Rabbi Heineman. He really wants to know when ppl are turning down donations because they are too small. He will revoke the letter and kick them out of town.

Posted by: DM at November 27, 2006 5:07 PM

See, I knew you should have taken the succah down earlier!

Posted by: peninah at November 27, 2006 5:17 PM

Did you ask for the dollar back? I would have.

Posted by: Ezzie at November 27, 2006 11:50 PM

He wouldn't take it from me, it never left my hand. I gave it to the gabbai in shul at mincha that day, I hope it was better appreciated wherever it ends up.

Posted by: Greg at November 28, 2006 12:15 AM

I've been astonished at the number of beggars who are choosers.

Posted by: soccer dad at November 28, 2006 5:14 AM

I feel your pain. There is a prevalent attitude out there among meshulachim that is brazen. Each thinks that his personal situation, cause or institution is the most important to the exclusion of all others (including local causes). They also realize that in many cases, they have to give up 30% of their take to the driver. Above all, there is an attitude of entitlement--we all are the haves and we have a moral obligation to give to each and every have-not.

The system in Baltimore is far better than most cities. However, I will propose several improvements to be considered:

(1) a mechanism that will provide quick feedback on those who reject one's donation or pressure you for more. I would recommend a monitored voice-mailbox that donors can call to report such activity.
(2) some mechanism of limiting the number of collectors. I would recommend setting a quota as to the number of letters issued per week or month.
(3) for in-shul collectors, some guidelines on which parts of davening that they can circulate.
(4) establishing an arrangement to prevent "double-dipping" of collecting in shul and then approaching the Gabbai Tzedaka; also, a one run limit per shul or minyan.
(5) a "do not visit" list that people can sign up for so that the number of evening door knocks is reduced.
(6) a public disclosure on standard fees collected by drivers; perhaps setting us a system whereby they are not paid on commission
(7) some community guidelines for giving to ensure that local causes received quanitative priority (some of this relates to #2 above); this is needed in order to "walk the walk" on what was announced more generally several months ago

The above notwithstanding, in the interest of full disclosure: I happen to give this fellow every year (more than just $1), given that I personally know someome who attended Keichal HaTorah as a kid.

Posted by: Dr. E at November 29, 2006 9:26 AM