Maaser while in debt מעשר בחובות

Debts come first

Paying what you owe is itself a Torah value — and according to the accepted halachic view, a person whose debts exceed his means is not obligated in full maaser. The Rema (Yoreh Deah 249) is the classic address for the measures of giving; the practical guidance poskim derive: settle your obligations, and keep tzedaka alive with what you honestly can.

The token gift

Even in hard times, the practice is not to let giving stop completely — a small, regular gift keeps the heart open and the habit alive. A few dollars before Shabbos is a real mitzvah, not a consolation prize. Hashem counts the widow's two coins.

No guilt

The Torah does not ask you to give away money you owe someone else, and it does not want giving to break you. If this season is about climbing out — climb. Tzedaka will be waiting, and so will the promise that comes with it.

The catch-up question

When things turn around, some have the practice of making up maaser from lean years; others begin fresh from the turnaround. This is a genuinely personal question — ask your rav, and be kind to yourself in the asking.

Common questions

I can barely cover my bills. Am I obligated in maaser?

According to the accepted view, someone who cannot meet his own obligations is not held to the full tenth. Keep a small regular gift going and revisit when things improve — with your rav.

Should I borrow money to give maaser?

The general guidance of poskim is no — tzedaka comes from what you have. Ask your rav about your specific situation.

This guide shares sources, not rulings. For your own situation, ask your rav.

Sources: Rambam — Gifts to the Poor 7 · Get help — vetted Jewish assistance · Maaser calculator

Keep learning: What is maaser money? · What can be paid from maaser money? · Aser bishvil shetisasher

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