Meshulach


A meshulach or SHaDaR is a rabbinical emissary sent to collect charity funds. In the original meaning it was for the rescue of the Yishuv haYashan of Eretz Yisrael, the funds were distributed by the Kollelim in form of Halukka.
In recent times, the term has come to mean any charity collector for a Jewish organization. Often an individual meshulach may operate as an independent contractor for several different organizations, taking a portion of the proceeds as profit. The percentage retained by the meshulach is sometimes as high as 49%.
In response to the public perception of fraudulent meshulachim, some communities have appointed rabbis or panels to investigate meshulachim and issue them certificates to attest for the validity of their cause.
Originally only trustworthy meshulachim were employed. A list of the best-known meshulachim, with their dates and spheres of activity, is provided here: