Article: Tuition paid from Ma’aser money

 

Is tuition considered Ma’aser? Meaning, can I take it from Ma’aser money?

 

The Gemara says that your financial needs for the whole year is pre-determined, and you should therefore spend with care. But money paid for tuition is not included in this total; this money comes from a separate account directly from Above.

Practically speaking, however, it is halachically acceptable to use maaser money to pay tuition with the following strict conditions:

1. If no other option seems available.
2. For children who are above the age of Chinuch; according to many Poskim this includes ages six and up.
3. The monies are not paid directly to the teacher’s salary, but for expenses such as dorming, transportation, and other education-associated expenses.

 

 

From Halacha2Go Archives
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