Chapter 29
Laws Derived from Isaiah: Running, Walking, Commerce, Measuring, Reading, Speaking
SPEAKING ON SHARBATH AND YOM TOV WITH THE OBJECT OF CONDUCTING EVERYDAY AFFAIRS
56.a. 1) a) Whether or not the practice of “selling” the right to perform mitzvoth in the synagogue is permitted on Shabbath or Yom Tov depends on the custom of the place.
b) One ought not to raise any objection where it is done.
2) a) It is, however, preferable, where an alternative exists, to take a strict view with regard to the recording of the sums which the “purchasers” agree to pay.
b) That is to say, it is better not to make use even of cards or slips of paper on which the suggested amounts to be promised were written before Shabbath or Yom Tov.
c) Yet, those who do use such cards or slips have authority upon which they can rely, since they are acting in furtherance of a mitzva.
56.b. 1) The same considerations apply to appeals in the synagogue for charitable causes (for instance, when prayers are being said in memory of the dead).
2) It is a common practice to hand each congregant a card bearing his name, so that he can signify which of the amounts noted on the card he wishes to donate,
a) by attaching a paperclip or
b) by folding down an appropriate tab.
