Last week, the Supreme Court ruled this unconstitutional, thus bringing Takanas OSHA to an abrupt end

Those who’ve learned Maseches Kesubos are familiar with the concept of “takanas usha,” a rabbinic injunction that prohibits spending more than one-fifth of one’s property on tzedakah, lest one become destitute as a result (see Sefer Ahavas Chesed, ch. 20, for details). But what about “Takanas OSHA,” a ruling by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that sought to enforce a requirement that employees in large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job? Last week, the Supreme Court ruled this unconstitutional, thus bringing Takanas OSHA to an abrupt end. But with many Yidden giving up to a fifth of their income for tzedakah — up until takanas usha — that might be an even better option for protection.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 897)