- Family and Society
- Ma'asser - Tithing - To Who?
80
Question
Hi Rabbi,
Am I allowed to use maaser money to purchase a wig to cover my hair?
Answer
Shalom,
Thank you for your question. In general Maaser money should be used ideally for the poor. However, the standard practice is to also use it for all mitzvot. Thus, many people use their Maaser money to help support Yeshivot, and other Torah institutions, even though they are not for the poor, but rather for the mitzvah of Torah study.
Based on this, using Maaser money for the mitzvah of a married lady covering her hair would be allowed. However, using Maaser money for oneself is generally frowned upon. Unless there is no other way for a person to fulfill the mitzvah, one’s Maaser money should go towards others.
So, to summarize, unless it is an extreme situation, one should not use their Maaser money for themselves, even for doing their own mitzvot.
Blessings.

Maaser Ksafim in a bad year
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Shevat 12, 5769

Maaser
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 2, 5776

Tzedaka and Maaser
Various Rabbis | Cheshvan 9, 5769

Are there too Many Learners on the Dole?
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 17 Shevat 5763

Can a Christian be recognised as Ger Toshav?
Various Rabbis | 20 Elul 5767

Havdalah on Chol Hamoed
Various Rabbis | 18 Nisan 5767

Yom Haatzmaut Prayers
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 30 Nisan 5765

Sefira observance on Yom Haatzmaut
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 7 Iyyar 5766

Egg slicer with grid
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 1, 5785

Havara- Sefaradic or Ashkenazic Pronunciation
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 17, 5785

Blessing for non jew
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Nisan 23, 5785
