3,193. The Difference Between Bedek HaBayis and Donating to a Shul

Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 8:8

If a non-Jew wants to donate to the upkeep of the Temple, it should not be accepted, but if it was accepted, we don’t send it back. If it was a physical item like a beam or a stone, it is returned to him so that there won’t be a component of the Temple associated with him. This is based on Ezra 4:3: “It is not for you to build a Temple to our God with us.” When it comes to a shul, however, we may accept such donations at the outset so long as the donor specifies that it’s to be used as the Jews see fit. If he doesn’t do that, the money must be stored away out of concern that he meant to consecrate it. Donations are not accepted from non-Jews for the walls of Jerusalem or an aqueduct there. This is based on Nehemiah 2:20: “You do not have a share or a remembrance in Jerusalem.”

Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 8:9

A Jew may not accept charity from a non-Jew in public. If he can’t live on the charity he receives from Jews and it’s not possible to receive charity from non-Jews privately, then it’s permitted. If a non-Jewish king or officer sends money to the Jews for charity, we don’t send it back in order to maintain peaceful relations with him. Rather, we accept it and give it privately to needy non-Jews so that the king won’t become aware of it.