Can one use Maaser Money to pay for becoming a premium member?

What is "Maaser Money"?

Raybin,
In your part of the world "Maaser money" is probably called "Tithe money".

B"H

Maaser Money generally has the same status as ordinary charity (tzadaka) given to a needy, religious organisation or Rabbi or person, etc. Though, what you are asking is whether or not that same money can be used to make for yourself special privileges and benefits, this would (I think) depend on whether or not the money was used by the GY as charity, as such. It is definitely a religious organisation. Perhaps there are expenses incurred by the organisation that would make benevolent gifts viewed as charity.

The first Mishnah in Peah (1:1) says:
"...These are the things, [which doing], a man partakes of its proceeds in this world, while the principal remains for him in the world to come: viz., The honour of one's parents, benevolent deeds, etc."

So, here, it is clear that a person can also give charity (a thing which falls under the category of "benevolent deeds"), and derive a benefit from doing so.

David

I don't understand what masser means, but I imagine that if you are supporting the learning of torah, or your own learning of torah in someway this would make G-d very happy

Quote "Perhaps there are expenses incurred by the organization that would make benevolent gifts viewed as charity."

Of course there are expenses running this site, which really does need the support of the members to exist (who can afford it.) (Though I'm not involved with the money aspect, and I definitely don't get paid for this, but in "meetings" I'm aware of expenses.)

The title of premium Member is no worse than an org. putting up a plaque for you that is commemorative of your support.

I spoke to a posak in the Mir about this and he said there would be no problem of giving maser money to become a premium member as long a the kavana was to help the Global Yeshiva and not just to get the "perks" involved.