More Discussions for this daf
1. Insights to the Daf - Planting an Adar 2. סגי ודי
DAF DISCUSSIONS - ERUVIN 64

Moshe Reinitz asked:

Dear Rabbi Kornfeld.

You wrote in the Insights to this Daf:

>>The TORAS CHAIM answers that the degree to which one's property will be safeguarded depends on the type of Mitzvah he does with his money. If he does a Mitzvah that has results that last only temporarily, his money will be preserved only temporarily. When one gives money to the poor, that act of Tzedakah is performed once and is not repeated. The Gemara therefore suggests that one invest in an object of a Mitzvah with which multiple and repeated acts of Mitzvos will be performed, such as a Sefer Torah which is constantly used for Mitzvos.

This approach seems to contradict the explanation of RABEINU CHANANEL in Beitzah (15b). The Gemara there says that one who wants his property to be preserved should "plant an Adar tree," as the verse says, "Adir ba'Marom Hash-m" (Tehilim 93:4). Rabeinu Chananel explains that the Gemara means that one should perform acts of Tzedakah with his money in order to avoid losing it, because acts of Tzedakah are an investment in a heavenly bank ("ba'Marom") where money cannot become lost or stolen. According to Rabeinu Chananel's explanation, the Gemara in Beitzah, which says that one should give his money to any Tzedakah in order to preserve it, contradicts the Gemara here, which says that one should buy a Sefer Torah or Tefilin with his money! <<

I have a question. Why can't we say that an Adar tree is being used for tzedakah and a tree is constantly growing fruit similar to a Sefer Torah being used.

This could agree with the Toras Chaim.

Moshe Usher

The Kollel replies:

Rabeinu Chananel implies that the money should be given directly to the poor (as he brings from Bava Basra 9a).

Besides, we are told (Mishnah Shekalim 4:3) that one is not supposed to invest money of Hekdesh or money of the poor; it is considered irresponsible to take chances with Tzedakah. It would follow that one should not plant a tree with Tzedakah money, lest it dry up.

Be well,

M. KORNFELD