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Various ma’aser kesafim (tzedaka) issues
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Living The Halachic Process -
Part 1 -
Rabbi Daniel Mann
Some people from Israel came to our door collecting for important causes with the blessings of a reputable rabbi. My compassionate wife wrote them checks based on expected, future ma’aser kesafim{&1&} money. Since our account was quite depleted, she post-dated the checks. Unfortunately, the checks were cashed before the date and accepted by our bank, putting our account in overdraft and causing $120 in bank fees. Can these costs, which were incurred by giving ma’aser kesafim, count toward future ma’aser or must they be considered a personal loss? Right now, I am not even sure we are obligated to give ma’aser due to our financial situation, but I have always preferred to extend myself to put aside 10% in any case.
You ask one question but raise others indirectly. We will try to touch upon all of the issues.
Expenses: Money set aside for the purpose of ma’aser kesafim becomes a tzedaka fund that you administer. Legitimate expenses related to giving tzedaka may be recovered by the one who outlays them.[2] Complications arise if there is a loss of money due to careless or frivolous actions by the gabbai tzedaka, in this case, your wife. However, she seems to have acted extremely generously and responsibly (as opposed to your bank).
Giving money on the account of future ma’aser: In his sefer, Ahavat Chesed,[3] the Chafetz Chayim raises this issue and cites different opinions on the matter. The Tzedaka U’Mishpat[4] rules leniently. They both suggest that, when starting to give ma’aser kesafim, one should stipulate that he plans to, at times, lay out money and deduct it from future ma’aser.
Giving ma’aser under financial hardship: The rule is that dependents’ welfare takes precedence over tzedaka to others.[5] On the other hand, even one who receives tzedaka is required to give some tzedaka.[6] It is hard to determine precisely what one’s basic needs are, beyond which he should give tzedaka properly. We applaud your generosity and pray that you will be able to maintain it. One suggestion is to continue calculating ma’aser kesafim, but to actually give the money only when you can afford it.[7]