Maaser Funds - Giving to Yourself
Question
Shalom u’verachah. My chavruta and I were registered in a kollel until recently, and we would receive a stipend. For various reasons, and in order to learn better, we left the kollel and are learning separately, without a framework, and consequently we do not receive a stipend. The arrangement is that I give my chavruta from my maaser funds, and he gives me his maaser funds, in the amount of the stipend. If in the future one of us will not be able to continue with this arrangement, will that person be permitted to use his own maaser money in the amount of the stipend he had been accustomed to receiving?
Answer
Shalom u’verachah
The current arrangement is very good, provided that there is no condition between you that you give him only if he gives you.
One may not use one’s own maaser money for oneself.
However, if when the chavruta does not give the maaser funds you will not have enough to make it through the month, you will be exempt from giving maaser.
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