The Jewish Ethicist – Beggars’ Letters
from aish.com by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir, Business Ethics Center of Jerusalem
Q. Many charity seekers come to my door with recommendation letters from well-known rabbis or organizations. Can I rely on these letters to determine who is truly needy?
A. Giving letters of recommendation to help worthy charity recipients is a centuries-old tradition in Jewish communities. Knowing that an august authority vouches for the bearer, or even that he or she knows of them, goes a long way towards allaying the worries of a giver.