I intended to give X amount of tzedaka to a specific Rabbi at the time of mechiras chometz. Then, I found out that the Rabbi wasn’t available, so I used another rabbi for the mechira. The shayla is, do I still have an obligation to give the original amount to the first rabbi, since it might’ve been like a neder? Although I did not verbally stipulate that I would only give him the tzedaka if I had sold him the chometz, I never meant to give him the money if he didn’t sell the chometz. Thanks,
Answer:
You are not obligated to give the first Rabbi the Tzedaka.
Sources:
See Shulchan Aruch Y:D 258 in the final halacha where the Rama brings 2 opinions whether one who just thinks to give tzedaka is obligated to do so. While the Rama’s conclusion is that one should be stringent, see Aruch Hashulchan ibid. who explains that this is only when one makes an absolute commitment to give. Here your stipulation to give only if selling with him would be sufficient. The tzedaka should be given to someone you choose to give to, see Kovetz Tshuvos 1:99.
