One May Not Give Zecher Lemahatzit Hashekel From Maaser

One May Not Give Zecher Lemahatzit Hashekel From Maaser Day: Monday Date: March 10, 2014 Parshat: Tzav, Zachor Source: Yalkut Yosef: 692 The money for the zecher lemahatzit hashekel should be given to institutions of Torah and to Yeshivot. Since the time the Bet Hamikdash was destroyed Hashem's "place" in this world is only in places of Torah and Halacha. May we see the Bet Hamikdash rebuilt soon in our days and may we all have the merit to give the mahatzit hashekel itself, and not have to resort to only giving the zecher (remembrance) of the mahatzit hashekel. One who normally separates Maaser (tithes) from his income may not give the required amount of the zecher lemahatzit hashekel, or of the matanot le'evyonim, from Maaser money. If he wants he can give it from his own money and then add to it from Maaser money. If when he separates his Maaser he always says that he does intend this to become a neder or a requirement for him, then he may fund these mitzvot from Maaser money if he is undergoing financial hardship. The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org