Question:
My brother is struggling to find a suitable position as a Rebbe in a day school. I strongly feel that a Masters in Jewish Education would be very helpful for him to have on his resume. Am I allowed to use Maaser money to help fund the costs of this education? Paying for his own education would be very difficult for him.
Answer:
Without getting into the issue if he should or shouldn’t go to college for this, or what program he should join to get the degree, if your brother is struggling financially because his salary is not enough to support his family he is eligible to receive tzedakah. Therefore the money that you give him to help him out can be taken from maaser money. In fact supporting a relative is from the best places for a person to give his maaser money. Additionally it is also a high form of tzedakah to help someone establish himself so he will become self sufficient.
Sources:
Tzedakah Umishpat 2 ftnt 10.
