Tithing to Parents
Question
Shalom to the esteemed Rabbi, shlita. If parents have debts from their children's weddings and a mortgage on their own home, and it seems that their monthly salary is enough for household expenses, but the wedding debts and more are certainly burdensome. They are assisted by the loaning Gemach. There is no doubt that contributing money will greatly eases their burden. However, it is difficult to ascertain their exact financial situation out of respect for them.Is it permissible to give them at least part of the tithe money?And how does this compare to giving for the support of Torah study like kollelim? Thank you.
Answer
Shalom Rav,
There is no need or reason to ascertain the exact situation.
It is clear that even people who generally manage need help during their children's weddings.
Helping parents takes precedence over all other charitable donations, and it is a great mitzvah whose 'fruits are eaten in this world and the principal remains for the world to come'.