832. Must I publicize that food was purchased with Ma’aser?
In the days of the Beis Hamikdash, a host was obligated to inform guests if serving them food that was set aside for ma’aser sheni (“the second tithe” of produce that is separated in the first, second, fourth and fifth years of the Shemittah cycle in Eretz Yisroel to be eaten in Yerushalayim) or ma’aser ani (“tithe for the poor” brought in the alternate years of the Shemittah cycle), as stated in the Mishnah and the Tosefta. There are various reasons enumerated for this practice. Among them are: Serving guests without acknowledging that the food is ma’aser appears as if the host is utilizing ma’aser for their own needs—an uninformed guest may even seek to compensate the host for the meal in some tangible way. Causing another to consume ma’aser unknowingly may constitute g’neivas daas (deception); an unknowing guest may defile the holy food by eating ma’aser sheni in a state of tum’ah (ritual impurity).
When it comes to ma’aser kesafim (the charitable tithe from one’s earnings)—practiced today in all locales—many authorities do not consider it similar to ma’aser sheni or ma’aser ani in this respect. Additionally, many of the conditions inherent in ma’aser sheni are not relevant to ma’aser kesafim—including constraints of time, place and personal purity—so many of the reasons given to explain the Mishnah’s admonition are not applicable.
The issue of personal benefit would apply if the giver extends the monies in a prideful way or with tangible reward, but a general advantage of appreciation would not be in this category. It would therefore seem that there is no halachic impediment to such a practice. Indeed, it is prevalent that tzedakah funds are used for refreshments at events held for the public’s benefit, such as seminars and community affairs—and there is no need for it to be publicized if money earmarked for ma’aser was used. More so, it would be inappropriate to advertise the source of the funds as ma’aser if it were to make would-be participants uncomfortable and hesitant to attend the function.