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.
Additional reading:
- Maaser for Maos Chittin (Kimcha de-Pischa)
- Can money raised at charity Torah teaching count towards maaser
- Charity obligations for one who has debts
- Is it permitted to take goverment assistance
- Tzeddaka to a certain organization, in thought
- Can one ever NOT give a poor person money when he asks?
- Bride vs. orphan for tzedakah; concentrating vs. spreading donation