Maaser money – for what purposes may it be given?
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Question
I would like to ask: for what exactly is it permitted to give maaser money? Is there a clear definition? To any organization that does chesed (charity)? What about my children’s weddings? Do I need to divide it up in some way?
And another specific question: I have a camera and I’m thinking of selling it in order to buy another one. Is the money I receive from the sale obligated in maaser, or is it exempt because it is intended for the purchase of another camera?
Thank you very, very much.
Answer
Shalom u’vracha,
You may give maaser money to any tzedakah, as well as for strengthening and learning Torah.
You may place your maaser money into a gmach (free-loan fund) and then use it for your children’s weddings.
There is no need to give maaser from the sale of the camera if it is for the purpose of buying another camera.
In general, for an item that you bought and are selling without making a profit, there is no need to give maaser. For example, if there is no profit in the sale of the camera beyond what you paid for it, there is no obligation to give maaser, even if you are not buying another camera.
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