Charity: Ma'aser Money

Tzedakah and Maaser

Question

Hi Rabbi, if I give money to my mom and brother, is this considered part of the ten percent charity?

Answer

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

Charity money, including “ma’aser money,” may be given to poor relatives, and this is indeed preferable since relatives come first.

Such relatives include (in order of preference) one’s parents, one’s adult children, one’s paternal brothers, one’s maternal brothers, and most any other relatives, as well. However, it is better to give up to half of the ma'aser to family but if the situation is very difficult one may give it all.

Source

Sources: Rambam, Hilchot Matanos Aniyim 10:16; YD 251:3; Shach, YD 251:5; Aruch Hashulchan, YD 251:1

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