1) Any money that one earns is subject to the obligation of Ma'aser. This includes monetary gifts, money that was found or any other money that is now lawfully yours.
According to many Poskim it is either mandatory or a very praiseworthy act to give Ma'aser from non monetary gifts as well. (According to the Chazon Ish, doing so will save the giver from much harm).
The way to do this is to figure out how much the gift is worth (the lowest price possible to pay for this item on the open market), and then give 10% of that value to Tzedaka.
2) One who receives money from his/her parents or in-laws for living expenses must give Ma'aser from that money. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal and Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal. However, Rav Moshe writes that if the money is given to the Chasan (groom) for the express purpose that he may sit and learn calmly without worrying about providing for his wife, he is exempt from Ma'aser. See Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 2 Siman 112)
A poor person that receives money from Tzedaka should give 10% of what he receives to another poor person. (According to the Peleh Yoetz, chapter on Ma'aser).
Others argue and maintain that he may not give money that was given to him for living expenses to Tzedaka (Psak of Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita quoted in Am HaTorah journal 1982 Mahadura 2:2)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) and my Answers taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be sent to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
You mentioned not too long ago that kissing ones Tzitzis during shema may be considered a hefsek and there are some poskim that hold like this.
My question is: does kissing ones teffilin by "ukshartem.......Yadecha........bain ainecha" both times constitute a hefsek like by tzitzis? and if not why?
My Answer:
Yes, those Poskim who refrained from kissing their Tzitzis during Shema, would also refrain from kissing their Tefilin during Shema, though touching the Tefilin at those junctures, without kissing them is acceptable according to all opinions.
The kissing is the Hefsek (according to those Poskim) as even those who don't kiss their Tzitzis during Shema, still hold them, and even place them over their eyes when saying "U'ReIsem Osam" as the Bais Yosef writes to do.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
