Tithing During Economic Hardship
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
With G-d's help Hello, I wanted to ask, if we have debts, is there an obligation or perhaps even a merit, "in order to become wealthy," to give ma'aser (tithes)? Especially since we recently decided, without a vow, to give a fifth of our income to our parents, may they live, and now, when the money comes in, it barely suffices to pay off the debts... Regards
Answer
Hello
When a person cannot make ends meet, meaning their expenses exceed their income, they are exempt from giving ma'aser (tithes).
Source
According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi A. Fried, shlita