Reply To: Kollel – Talmud Torah Kneged Kulam

truthsharer: What is the mekor for that?

The Halachah is that you are nowadays ALLOWED to live off Tzedakah to learn (see the Rama and Shach in Hilchos Talmud Torah 246:21). And the Rama 246:6 rules that the custom is that Torah scholars do benefit from their learning, by support from the community. And he even brings other opinions that the community should support its Torah scholars even to the point of affluence.

Additionally, taking money for learning in Kollel is NOT living of Tzedakah. Since I, the recipient, must provide something in return for payment received, that is a simple business deal. If I do NOT have to provide anything in return for payment received, that is Tzedakah. Since Kollel people must learn Torah in return for the payments they receive, they are NOT living at all off Tzedakah. Not any more than any person who renders services for payment received.