Question:
I’ve started a program that encourages torah learning during bein hazmanim and offers a raffle for those who learn.
I would like to try to expand the program.
Can i use meiser money to cover the website expense?
Answer:
How wonderful it is that you want to encourage other people to utilize their time during their vacation period, a time when people need encouragement to learn. It is permitted to use maaser money for this because it is being used to encourage torah study. According to some poskim supporting torah learning is a higher form of tzedakah than giving to poor people.
Sources:
O:CH 249-16, Chochmas Adom 145-7, B’orach Tzedakah 11-37 in the name of R’ N. Karelitz shlit”a, Mishne Halachos 7-161.
