Intention to Give Charity to the Poor
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Question
Hello, if someone firmly decided in their heart to give charity, are they obligated to do so as a vow?
Answer
Hello,
For Ashkenazim, it is obligatory to give. For Sephardim, it is not obligatory. However, in our times, one can rely on the declaration made on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, and even Ashkenazim are not obligated to give.
Even if the poor person has not left, but is still in the synagogue, there is no obligation to give him what was intended, as it is not considered a vow at all.
Source
Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah, Siman 258, Se'if 3 and Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat, Siman 212, Se'if 8, and according to the Rema, one is obligated to give, but in our times, one can rely on the declaration made on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.