Ask The Rav: Your Ma’aser Guide For What You Can Use It For

The following is made available by Ask The Rav, and is a compendium of answers to real-life questions posed to Ask The Rav:

1. Ma’aser money should ideally be given to Tzedakah to support the needy.

2. Alternatively, it may be used to pay for non-obligatory Mitzvos. But not for a Mitzvah that one is obligated to do, and thus would regardless spend that money.

3. As a general rule: When spending Ma’aser on something it may be spent on, one should always explore if there are cheaper options available, just as you would if you were using personal non-Maaser money.

4. Remember, Hashem says: Test Me. Ma’aser is a sure investment!

Family:

• Can I use Ma’aser money to help my parents cover expenses? (See here as well).

• What are the 3 conditions that must be met so that parents can use their Ma’aser for their child’s wedding?

• Can Ma’aser money be used for writing a Sefer Torah in someone’s memory?

• Marriage therapy 

School:

• Is it permitted to use Ma’aser money for a teacher training course?

• Can I use Ma’aser money to attend a Chinuch convention?

• What is the difference between spending Ma’aser on treats or incentives for students? Which is allowed and with what conditions?

• Teachers appreciation gift or Chanukah Gelt for teachers.

• Personal education

Chossid:

• Can I use Ma’aser money for Ma’amed?

• Refreshments for Rebbe video

• Chassidishe Farbrengen

Donations:

• Chaverim

• May I support a Kollel learner with Ma’aser?

• Pidyon Ta’anis (Fast day Tzedakah)

• Lag B’Omer Tzedakah (in amounts of 33, as per the Rebbe’s directive)

• Can I give daily Tzedakah from my Ma’aser?

• Maos Chitim

• Matonos L’Evyonim – Purim

Events:

• Auction

• Concert or Dinner

• Community Shabbos party

• Kiddush in Shul

Shlichus:

• Voice training to serve as voluntary Chazzan 

• Megillah for Mivtzoyim

• Car for Shlichus

• Support Shluchim

Other:

• Filter on my phone

• First Aid training 

• Seforim

• Shifra & Puah

• Help for a friend who gave birth

• Sheva Brachos for a friend

• Non-Jew considering conversion

• Can I use Maaser money towards airfare to go to a friend’s wedding?

• Loan

• Kaporos

• Mi Shebeirach