The concept of the tithe—giving a tenth of one's
income or produce to a sacred cause or for charity—is deeply woven into the
fabric of Jewish tradition, known in Hebrew as maaser. Far from a
simple, single donation, maaser is a complex system of contributions outlined
in the Torah, revealing a sophisticated approach to supporting religious life,
community, and the poor.
A Practice Older Than the Law
Before G-d gave the formal commandments at Mount Sinai, the
act of tithing was already a recognized custom among the Patriarchs. The very
first mention appears with Abraham. After a decisive military victory,
he voluntarily gave a tenth of the spoils he captured to Melchizedek, described
as "priest of G-d." (Genesis14:18-20) This shows that the principle
of dedicating a portion of one's wealth was an ancient, intuitive act of
devotion, laying the groundwork for the future law.
The Three Pillars of Tithing
In the Torah, particularly following the establishment of
the Priesthood and the Temple service, the system of tithing for agricultural
produce grown in the Land of Israel became mandatory and multifaceted.
1. Maaser Rishon: Supporting the Levites
The first required tithe is Maaser Rishon, or the First
Tithe. Once the initial contribution, called terumah, was separated
for the Kohanim(priests), a full tenth of the remaining produce was
given to the Levites. The Levites were a specific tribe that had not
received a share of the land in Israel; instead, they were dedicated entirely
to serving in the Tabernacle and later the Holy Temple. This tithe was their
means of sustenance.
Interestingly, the obligation didn't stop there. A Levite
who received Maaser Rishon was then required to separate a tenth of his
receipt, called terumat maaser, and give that to a Kohen
(priest). It was a beautiful tiered system: the farmer supported the Levite,
and the Levite, in turn, supported the Kohen. (Numbers 18:21)
2. Maaser Sheni: The Jerusalem Feast
After both terumah and Maaser Rishon were separated, a Second
Tithe, called Maaser Sheni, was required in the first, second,
fourth, and fifth years of the seven-year agricultural cycle (known as the Shemittah
cycle).
This tithe was unique: it was not given away.
Instead, the owner had to bring the produce itself to Jerusalem and
consume it there in a state of ritual purity, often with their family,
transforming the mandatory act into a celebratory feast. If it was too
difficult to transport the actual food—imagine carrying a huge load of grain
hundreds of miles! —the owner could "redeem" it. They would take an
equivalent sum of money, bring the funds to Jerusalem, and use the money there
to buy food and drink, which they would then consume. The purpose was to
encourage regular trips to the capital and foster a deep connection to the
Temple and the holy city. (Leviticus 27:30-31; Deuteronomy 14:22-29)
3. Maaser Ani: Tithes for the Poor
The third and sixth years of the Shemittah cycle introduced
a shift in focus. In these years, the Maaser Sheni was replaced by Maaser
Ani, the Tithe for the Poor. This tenth was specifically set aside
for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow—the most vulnerable in
society—who could come to the city gates and eat to their fill. This ensured
that the blessings of the land were directly shared with those in need, linking
G-d's blessing to social justice:
"And the Levite, because he has no portion or
inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are
within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your G-d
may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do." (Deuteronomy
14:28-29)
The Final Reckoning
The complexity of tithing required a final, mandatory
check-up. Following the third and sixth years, on the Passover holiday, a
process called Biur Maasrot—the "Removal of the Tithes"—took
place. This was a critical deadline. All tithes Maaser Sheni and Maaser Ani that
had been separated but not yet eaten, distributed, or redeemed
had to be properly disposed of, usually by burning, to ensure the farmer was
current on all his obligations. This act served as a public declaration that
the owner had diligently fulfilled the commandments.
The entire Maaser system underlines a profound Jewish
teaching: the produce of the earth is ultimately not ours. It is a gift
from G-d, and our job as farmers and recipients is to manage that gift with
responsibility, ensuring that those who teach, those who serve, and those who
are struggling all receive their designated share before we enjoy the rest.
Until a farmer separates the terumah and maaser from his harvest, the produce
is known as tevel and is forbidden to be eaten or sold. The act of
tithing is, in effect, the spiritual key that unlocks the bounty for personal
use.
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