Halachot and Customs
Is it permitted for a person who is in debt to give money to charity?
Question
Hello Rabbi, I heard in one of the lectures of the rabbi that it is forbidden for a person who owes money to give charity (if I am not mistaken in the wording). I wanted to know what the correct halacha is and what the source for this is.
Thank you in advance
Answer
Hello,
Regarding charity, the Sefer Chassidim (siman 554) wrote: one who owes others should not increase his charity until he has repaid them. Regarding maaser kesafim, the Shevet HaLevi responsa, part 7 (end of siman 195), wrote: it is clear to me that any person who owes others money and, by separating maaser kesafim, reduces repayment of his debt, is acting improperly. However, if he has an organized debt, such as a monthly payment like a mortgage and the like, and he has a monthly income that is enough both for his livelihood and for paying his debt, then he is permitted to give maaser kesafim (Ashrei Haish, Yoreh Deah part 2, chapter 45, section 6; and responsa Viderashta Vechakarta, part 4, Yoreh Deah siman 33, letter 6).
With blessings, Hillel Meirs
