Buying Tefillin for a brother using Ma'aser Money
Question
Is it permissible to buy tefillin for my brother using ma'aser money from my future earnings?
Answer
Shalom Uv'Racha
It is permissible to give money in advance, on account of future Ma'aser money.
However, regarding the laws of tzedakah, one can ask; is it permitted to buy tefillin for a boy using charity money?
The answer is: If the parents — who are the ones obligated to buy the tefillin — are considered “poor” (i.e., they do not have enough to cover household expenses), then it is permitted.
But if they are not poor, they are not eligible to receive the charity money.
However, If the parents are not religious and are unwilling to buy tefillin for their son, then someone else may use their ma’aser money to purchase tefillin for him.