Question:
I live in Israel and my unmarried disabled sister lives in the United States. Except for another sibling who lives nearby, my disabled sister is very much alone (our parents have passed away and she now lives in an assisted living facility). Can I use maaser money to visit her (i.e., pay for airfare, kosher food, etc.)?
Answer:
You may use maaser money to pay for this, but only for the basics of what is needed. For example plane fare, food, as you wrote, but not for extras such as shopping, restaurants etc., because those are not expenses needed for your visit.
