Using tithe money to prevent Shabbat desecration
Question
Dear Rabbi! I live outside the Land of Israel. Recently my building installed an electronic device for opening the front door. I asked them to leave an option for opening the door with a regular key, so I’d be able to keep Shabbes. The building committee agreed on the condition that I cover the additional costs for installing this. Can I use the tithe money to pay for it? I need it for fulfilling mitzvot, such as going to the synagogue on Shabbes, etc. Thank you very much
Answer
Since by law you had to pay for an option of opening your door on Shabbes in a permitted way anyway, you can’t use your tithe money for it.
May Hashem return to you all the expenses that were made for keeping Shabbes.