Question:
A friend occasionally sends ma’aser money for us to give to those in need. We’re now in a position to be recipients of such assistance. This friend isn’t aware of this and we don’t intend on sharing it with them. May we keep this money for ourselves since it’s tzedaka?
Answer:
Since you are now in need you may take it because we will assume that your friend would want to give it to you if you had the need.
