Is one allowed to take welfare from the state government? I've heard that it causes kitrugim on klal yisroel, like the story in kiddushin with buying the poroh adumah from the Romans.
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1Adding some sources will make this question better.– Alaychem goes to CodidactSep 4, 2019 at 14:34
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2sefaria.org.il/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.254?lang=Bi– Joel KSep 4, 2019 at 14:41
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@JoelK you should really make it an answer. Also, is it apply all gentiles, or just idol-worshipers?– Alaychem goes to CodidactSep 4, 2019 at 14:44
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2@Alaychem It’s not clear to me that modern government welfare payments (which the question seems to be about) have the status of tzedakah such that this Shulchan Aruch would be relevant...– Joel KSep 4, 2019 at 14:49
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orvishua.com/product/…– הנער הזהSep 4, 2019 at 15:19
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1 Answer
Our guide is what Maimonides said [Rambam, Matnot Aniyim 8:9]:
It is forbidden for a Jew to receive charity from a gentile in public. If he is unable to subsist on the charity given by the Jews and it is impossible to receive charity from the gentiles in private, it is permitted. When a gentile king or official sends money to the Jews for charity, we do not return it to him so as [not to jeopardize] peaceful relations with the king. Instead, we take [the charity] from him and give it to the gentile poor in secret so that the king will not hear.
So, yes, exceptions are allowed. But we don't want to take away a Jew's opportunity to perform the mitzvah of tzedakah.
answered Sep 5, 2019 at 19:53
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There's a comment here that there might be a difference between an idolater and a Noachide. Jan 23, 2022 at 9:00