Imagine a financial rule with a built-in promise of prosperity. That’s the core of Maaser Kesafim, the Jewish practice of tithing, which simply means dedicating one-tenth (10%) of your income to charitable giving. It’s more than just a donation; it’s an ancient principle for managing your wealth, and it applies to virtually everyone.
What Do You Tithe From?
Think of Maaser as a percentage taken from your "net
gain."
It applies to almost any money that comes your way,
including:
- Salaries
and wages
- Business
profits (after expenses and taxes are paid)
- Unexpected
findings
- Gifts
and inheritances
Essentially, if your financial standing improves, that money
is subject to the 10% tithe.
Where Should the Money Go?
The flexibility of Maaser Kesafim is one of its most
interesting aspects. The tradition encourages giving the money to the poor,
similar to the biblical "tithe of the poor" (Maaser Ani).
However, unlike some other commandments, the funds may also
be used to support a variety of worthy causes, including:
- Synagogues
and religious institutions
- Torah
study (supporting scholars or educational programs)
- Any
other Mitzvah (a good deed or religious obligation)
One key limitation: You cannot use Maaser money to
fulfill a personal religious obligation you are already required to do. For
example, you can’t buy your own Mezuzah or fulfill other personal duties with
it.
A commonly discussed, yet complex, use is paying Torah
tuition for your own children. Some opinions permit this, provided you
consider your own financial stability and the children's age. It's often viewed
as a temporary way to help your family meet a specific religious need.
A Heavenly Investment
The most compelling part of Maaser is the reward
associated with it. The Talmud, a central text of Jewish law, makes an
astonishing statement about tithing: "Give in order to become
wealthy."
While generally it is forbidden to "test" G-d, the
sages explicitly permitted it in the case of Maaser. They point to a verse from
the prophet Malachi:
“'Bring the full tithes into the storehouses . . . and try
me now herewith,' says the L-rd of hosts, ‘if I will not open you the
windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall be more than
sufficiency.’” (Malachi 3:10)
This isn't a transactional guarantee; it’s a spiritual
promise that engaging in this act of generosity will open the doors to personal
blessing and, often, greater wealth.
Whether you're calculating your annual business profit,
receiving a birthday check, or even if you just won the lottery, the principle
is the same: set aside one-tenth, and invest it in a worthy cause. It’s
not just an expenditure; it’s an investment in your spiritual—and
financial—future.
Do you have any questions about how to calculate Maaser from
a specific type of income?
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