Charitable donations and moral issues As a middle-class person married with 3 children and with conviction that my wealth should be shared with those in need I put some thought into the subject of giving.
In old times there was a suggested and sometimes enforced part of your wealth to be given away - that is one tenth (1/10, 10%). I talk about familiar institutions - Orthodox or Catholic church, about Synagogue with "Tzedakah". Tell me if it's different in any similar institution.
On one hand it was a prompt to give, on another - a suggestion not to take pride in donating "better" than other people do.
People raising their own or adopted children and taking care of their own old parents and family members as well as helping elderly neighbors spend time and money on good cause.
Though it's not as obviously good as donating over 50% of you income to organizations helping 3d world poor I trust my instincts. For me taking care of my own family and neighbors is no less valuable, must be done and should go first.
When it comes to sharing wealth personal acquaintances in need go first. Then Hospice system in the city where I was born, Counseling on Aging in my town (local organization helping elderly), funds helping families of victims of terror in Israel. I don't mind giving a bit to wikipedia and similar services since they provide services I use free of charge and free of advertising. There are other worthy causes, no doubt, I'm just sharing my current choices.
This is my response to
the question about picking the cause posted by Julia Wise, 24-year old philanthropist, who together with her husband
gives away over 50% of their income (ref. via
avva &
yucca).