Obligation to Honor the Donor's Name

I am the synagogue chairman, and I have always preferred not to publicize donors' names in our synagogue. One of the worshippers is a very wealthy man. He generously donated funds for the construction of an additional room that we needed, and no agreement was made regarding public recognition. However, now, after the room has been built, he insists on having a dedication plaque with his name on it. I disagree because it seems very un-Jewish to me. In Judaism, it is said, "Let a stranger praise you, and not your own mouth" (Proverbs 27:2). It doesn't seem right to me that he demands public recognition. What about modesty? True, he has a lot of money, but so what?

Dear …!<br>If the donor were to ask, there would be room to discuss whether publicizing the good deeds outweighs modesty and performing the mitzvah quietly. As it is written in Proverbs 27:2, "Let a stranger praise you, and not your own mouth." However, since the donor insists on having his name displayed, and it is a common practice among the Jewish people to publicize the names of donors, and the Holy Torah has also publicized many good deeds to inspire us to do the same. And there is also the aspect of a person leaving behind a good memory. Therefore, the Rashba wrote that we are obligated to publicize the names of donors, and that is the custom among the Jewish people. In a case where the donor demands it, it is certainly appropriate to follow this practice. Rashba adds that it opens the door for those who find it difficult to donate. By knowing that their names will be publicized, they are able to overcome their inhibitions and contribute. It also arouses others to envy the donors who have had the privilege of dedicating a room in the synagogue, and they, too, are motivated to donate.

Rashba (Vol. 1, Ch. 688).