Question:
Hi,
I worked during the summer and I have a question about giving maaser
1. I am a teenager and I don’t have much of my own money besides the money I earned this summer (I bought something already and I’m talking about what I’m left with which isn’t as much as I hoped). Am I chayav to give maaser?
- My parents are currently going through a bit of financial issues. I live at home with them and I was wondering if I can give maaser by helping out with groceries or food or medical supplies etc for my parents.
Thanks
Answer:
Hello,
- If you are supported by your parents, and your needs are met, then you are not considered a poor person and you should give maser. When giving masser for the first time, you should say that it is bli neder.
- If they don’t have enough for their needs, and basic expenses, (and they don’t have a year’s worth of money in savings, etc.,) then you can give them your maaser. In fact, it is from the best places to give your maser, because we have an obligation to help our family before helping others. Additionally, it is kibud av v’em to help them out, with their needs.
It is however important to give it to them discreetly, and in a way that they won’t be embarrassed that their child is giving them donations. There are many ways for a child to sneak money to his parents without them even knowing that it was given. For example, when you go to the store, if you pay the bill or part of the bill, they might not even notice. You can sneak money into their wallet, pay a bill over the phone for them, with your money, etc. Use your creativeness, but just be careful that they don’t find out about it, to save them the embarrassment.
Best wishes.
