Tzedaka Archives - AskTheRav

While on Mivtzoyim, a couple of non-Jews gave us money for Tzedakah. Can we treat that money like regular Tzedakah? If not, what should we do with it?

In this case, as long as they didn't give it in the name of their Avodah Zara, there is no issue. The money should be used to pay for…

May a Bachur use Tzedaka money to buy undershirts, shampoo and the like, if his parents are Shluchim and dont have to much money?

If others have given you Tzedaka money, you may use it for your needs. However you may not use your own Tzedaka money for your own personal needs. …

Does Masser need to be given from tax return?

If one did not give Maaser on the income when he received it, he is now obligated to give Maaser on this money. Follow up Question: What if…

In general what is the max percentage can someone give to Maaser? one fifth is the max?

10% is Maaser. 20% or a fifth is Chomesh. The common practice (there is a Machlokes whether it is Min Hatorah, Miderabanan or a custom which was accepted and…

We are Bochurim in Yeshiva who watch Farbrengens of the Rebbe and we would like to know if we can use Tzedakah/Maaser money for refreshments?

Most certainly since videos of the Rebbe constitute Limmud HaTorah and/or inspire people to the observance of Mitzvahs. However, this only applies if: People won’t come otherwise. Amount and/or…

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.

These days, when for most people their paycheck comes in form of a check/bank transfer, and most charges (including Tzedakas) are done via credit card, what is the ideal way to give “separate” Maaser? Is, by making sure the Tzedakas given during the month equals the amount of Maaser required, enough?

Maaser need not be given on money that is in front of you. You can give Maaser by donating from your credit card every time you receive a check/bank transfer,…

Can parents use their Maaser for their child’s wedding?

Yes. See here for the specific conditions. Sources: ראה שו״ת אבני צדק יו״ד קמא בתו״ד. מהרש״ם א, לב. שמחת כהן ב, יו״ד עט, ג (במהדו״ק). יחו״ד ב, עו. תשוה״נ…

Can a working girl give her Maaser money to her parents to help them cover the cost for the Bar Mitzva of their son and Chasuna of their daughter, and to pay for seminary and Yeshiva for their children?

Yes. However, if the parents can afford it, then they should not use Maaser money. Sources: שו״ע יו״ד רנא, ג. ש״ך שם ה. רמ״א יו״ד רמ, ה. ב״י שם…

Can Maaser be given in advance? If not, can one give Maaser for funds received in a check before depositing it? If not, what about after depositing it, before it has been processed (e.g. Mobile deposit, transaction pending, etc.).

The Halachah is that one may in fact give Maaser Kesafim on account of future income. However, one should nevertheless separate Maaser again when those earnings actually arrive and then one could…

Our 12th grade class is fundraising money throughout this year for our end of the year graduation trip. Do we have to give Maaser from the money that we get?

If the money is given for a specific cause, Maaser should not be given. See here for more on this topic.