Proper Use of Ma'aser Money
Question
My question is who do i give the maser to ? Can i use some to help someone in Need for health? or someone poor ? Or it has to be to the shul ? But i Don't go to shul or have rabbi to give to. Please advice. Thanks.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
Here are the rulings of our Rabbi, Rav Amram Fried.
Maaser Money can be used for:
1. Poor people, especially Torah scholars.
2. The performance of mitzvot.
3. Refreshments in the synagogue or yeshiva
4. Tuition for children over bar/bat mitzva
5. One is not allowed to use ma’aser money to pay for something, even ritual items that one is obligated to pay for anyways.
It is worth mentioning that 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: Azamra Lishmecha, #157; Rambam, Hilchot Matanos Aniyim 10:16; YD 249, 251:3; Shach, YD 251:5; Aruch Hashulchan, YD 251:1