Giving God His Share: Tithing Your Dollars (Maaser Kesafim) 💰

The biblical command of tithing (maaser) originally applied to crops grown in the Land of Israel, supporting the priests and the poor. But what about money made from business, wages, or investments? This practice is known as Maaser Kesafim (literally, "tithe of moneys"), and it's a fundamental part of Jewish life today.

Where Does the Obligation Come From?

Since most people don't grow produce in Israel, how did the ancient law of maaser transition to cover modern profits? The answer lies in both the actions of the Jewish patriarchs and later rabbinic interpretation.

1. Following the Patriarchs

The earliest roots of tithing money aren't found in a formal command but in the actions of Abraham and his grandson, Jacob.

• Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to a priest.
• Jacob vowed to give G-d a tenth of all his future gains.

These acts established a powerful tradition: dedicating a tenth of one's increase to a holy purpose. While we don't treat the patriarchs' practices as absolute divine commandments (mitzvahs) for the entire nation, their example set a moral precedent for giving.

2. Rabbinic Decree

The majority of Jewish legal authorities view Maaser Kesafim as a rabbinic enactment—a decree based on the biblical command to tithe crops. The rabbis reasoned that since G-d commanded a tenth of agricultural profits be set aside, the same principle should apply to monetary profits. It serves as a spiritual parallel to the ancient agricultural laws: Maaser Kesafim functions much like Maaser Ani (the tithe for the poor) and Maaser Rishon (the tithe for religious support).

Some minority opinions argue it's a full biblical obligation, but the prevailing view recognizes it as a powerful rabbinic law or a widely accepted custom.

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The Power of Custom

Even if someone follows the opinion that Maaser Kesafim is "just" a custom, the tradition gains immense weight over time. According to Jewish law, when a good custom is performed by an individual three times, it takes on the legal status of a neder (a vow). From that point on, it becomes fully obligatory, unless the person consciously had in mind that the act was done "bli neder" (without a vow).

Because the biblical tithe on crops is no longer practical for most people, many authorities encourage everyone to embrace the Maaser Kesafim custom to ensure they fulfill the spirit of giving a tenth of their bounty.

Who Must Tithe?

The legal debate over the source of Maaser Kesafim can affect those who rely on charity.

• If the tithing obligation is only a custom, some argue that those who need assistance themselves may be exempt from tithing their limited income.
• However, if it's considered a stronger rabbinic decree, the obligation may be wider.

Regardless of these differing views on a full tenth, one obligation is universal: everyone, even those relying on charity, must give at least a small amount to tzedakah (charity). The simple, bedrock principle remains: a Jew must never pass up an opportunity to perform an act of giving.

Maaser Kesafim is more than a financial obligation; it's a spiritual discipline. It acknowledges that all wealth is a trust from G-d and trains us to prioritize holiness and community welfare over personal gain.

Culled from Chabad