Tzedaka Archives - Page 8 of 8

Can I use Maaser money towards airfare to go to a friend’s wedding?

Usually not. In the unusual case where there are not enough people to be mesameach the Chosson and Kallah, as the expected norm, and it is certain that the…

Regarding volunteers for a group like Chaveirim where we help people that have flat tires, dead batteries, lock outs, etc., can I use Maaser for equipment?

Yes. Most certainly. #1890

Is Maaser and giving Tzedakah two different things? If I give a Chomesh, is it better I give only 10% and then be able to give more Tzedakah?

Tzedaka and Maaser are different, although interconnected: Tzedaka - is to give to poor people; essentially it has no limit (although that depends on various factors), and every time they…

Am I allowed to use Maaser money for something that I gain from. For example: buying tickets for a concert from a organization e.g. Hasc or soul to soul?

If one wishes to attend a dinner or Melaveh Malkah for the benefit of a Mosad (a religious institution), and they would like to pay using Ma’aser money, they must first assess…

Giving Tzedakah at Night

Question: Can I separate Maaser at night into an envelope? Can I make an online Maaser/Tzedaka donation at night? Answer: Yes to both questions. The only issue with…

Am I allowed to use Maaser money to buy incentives, food, and rewards for my students instead of using my own money?

If you teach in a school teaching Torah and it is not part of your obligation to provide incentives, it is permitted to use Maaser money for this cause.…

Do I give Maaser if I sell something I bought with money I already gave Maaser on?

You need to give Maaser only on the extra profit from selling the product. For example, if you bought it for $10 and then sold it for $11, giving you…

I was paying for some of my Yeshivah tuition from my own pocket. I recently heard that I might have been able to use Maaser to pay for my own Jewish education (since my parents weren’t paying for it). Can I count the payments that I made as Maaser retroactively?

Payments that were made cannot be considered Maaser if they were made from non-Maaser money. As to using Maaser for personal education — this is highly debatable. A solution would…

Is there any reason not to give my Maaser to people who stop me on the street asking for Tzedaka? Is it a problem that they may not be Jewish?

Can I give Maaser to non-Jews who ask for money, in the subway let's say? Answer: One must give Tzedaka, even a minimal amount, to all people who stop and…

What are the guidelines for using Maaser to buy Seforim? May this be done?

Maaser money may be used for buying Seforim if they are being used by the public. One must inscribe in the Seforim that they were bought from Maaser money.…

My close relative is IYH going to be having a baby soon and we want to fly in her sister from out of town to be able to help her. We want to know if we can use Maaser money for the flight?

If she needs the help and can't afford it, it is a legitimate form of Tzedaka. Certainly Maaser money may be used. You should explore if there are cheaper…

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…

Can Maaser be used to purchase nosh and prizes for a community Shabbos party?

If the purpose of the Shabbos party is to teach Torah, instill Torah values, and promote Torah and Mitzvos, like saying 12 Pesukim etc., and the nosh and prizes…

Someone borrowed $500 dollars from me a while ago and I know that they don’t have the means of paying me back. Can I deduct that money from maaser money that I would owe and then forget about what they owe me?

Although there are Poskim that say you can do so under certain circumstances, the majority of the Poskim are of the opinion that it cannot be done retroactively. As…

Is it permitted to use Maaser money to sponsor a Kiddush in a Shul or to arrange a Farbrengen?

Yes, so long as one originally had the intention to use Maaser money when pledging to sponsor the Kiddush (or arrange the Farbrengen). Otherwise - i.e., if one already…