Tzedaka Archives - AskTheRav

I wanted to know if Maos Chitim is only for food for Pesach or all Pesach expenses (clothing etc.). Let’s say someone I know can use help with money but is not making Pesach (eating all meals by someone else) can I still use Maaser money to give to them towards other Yom Tov expenses?

Maos Chitim was originally instituted as a tax on every person to help those that are in need for Pesach with wheat or Matzos. Over time it has been…

Can I use Maaser money to give Matanos L’evyonim on Purim? Or beyond Matanos L’evyonim can I give Tzeddakah on Purim from Maaser?

Every person is required to give gifts or money of at least a nominal sum to two poor people on Purim. The obligation can be fulfilled through any type…

If the reason I would buy a Megillah is only for Mivtzoim, may I pay for it with Maaser?

Yes, if you cannot afford to do it with your own money. It remains always Mivtzoim’s possession. It is important to inscribe somewhere who the real owner is. …

If I work for a Shaliach that is supposed to pay for my car, am I allowed to use my Maaser money to pay for it and consider it as if I gave that Maaser to the Shul?

If the car is being used primarily for Shlichus work, you may pay the cost from Maaser. The car remains the property of Tzedaka and does not transfer into your…

When I get my paycheck, money has already come off for health insurance. Do I need to give Maaser also for the money that came off for insurance? What about money that is taken off for taxes before I get the paycheck?

Regarding taxes- you give Maaser after deducting taxes. Regarding health insurance- it would depend on the arrangement you have with your employer; if you can get this amount in…

We bought a van for the purpose of getting to and from school; that is what it is used for 95% of the time. I drive myself and another teacher, so the van and related expenses would be considered a job expense (ie. deducted from income when calculating for Maaser). However I also drive my child to school, which makes it a personal expense. Can I record the van and related expenses as a job expense?

Yes.

Can Maaser money be used to make Sheva Brachos for friends?

Some Maaser money may be used to pay for a Sheva Brachos Seudah provided that you are helping a Chosson and Kallah who cannot afford it from their own…

May I use Maaser money to help a relative who is a Shlucha, to pay for flights and other needs on their upcoming Bar Mitzvah?

The flight may not be paid for with Maaser. If the Shluchim qualify for Maaser, i.e. they cannot make ends meet, you may buy for them their needs from…

Can Maaser money be used for the cost of a Chassidishe Farbrengen?

Yes, if it is a genuine Chassidishe Farbrengen, i.e. the purpose is indeed to be Meorer to be Mosif in Torah and Mitzvos. The food should be of a normal…

Is there a way marriage therapy can be paid for with Masser?

No, unless paying for someone else’s therapy. If someone else offers to pay their Masser, you may use it if you can't afford it on your own.