What is Maaser?

The Power of Maaser:

Unlocking Prosperity through Tithing

By Dr. Ruth Gilman

​

In the Torah, Hashem commands us to give maaser, a tithe of ten percent of our income, to support those in need and sustain the community. This ancient practice, rooted in emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust), holds profound benefits for both the giver and receiver.

 

Maaser: A Sacred Partnership

By setting aside ten percent of our income for tzedakah (charity), we invite Hashem to become our partner in prosperity. As we consistently give maaser, Hashem reciprocates by increasing our income, allowing the tithe to grow, and our wealth to flourish. 

Imagine baking a delicious pie every week, varying the flavor - apple, cherry, or even a pizza pie! When we consistently divide the pie into ten slices, keeping nine for our household and generously giving one slice to those in need, Hashem reciprocates by increasing the pie's size.

As we continue giving maaser, our pies grow larger, benefiting both our family and the community.  By giving maaser, we invite Hashem to expand our prosperity, increasing both our share and our ability to support others. As we faithfully tithe, Hashem delights in our commitment, showering us with abundance, and our pies - symbolic of our wealth - continue to grow!

 

Hashem’s Guarantee

Hashem explicitly encourages us to test Him on this promise, assuring us that our wealth will grow:  "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says Hashem, "if I will not open for you the windows of Heaven and pour out for you a blessing until there is no room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10) This remarkable guarantee makes maaser the only mitzvah in the Torah where Hashem invites us to "test" Him.

 

Overcoming the Obstacle of Our Inner Adversary

As we strive to fulfill the mitzvah of maaser, our inner adversary, the Yetzer Hara, also known as the Evil Inclination, often intervenes, attempting to dissuade us from giving. It whispers tempting rationalizations such as, “giving your resources away doesn’t make any sense, keep it for yourself.  How will you save money if you keep giving it away?"  These cunning voices aim to distract us from Hashem's promise and the benefits of maaser. The Yetzer Hara seeks to prioritize self-interest over spiritual growth, generosity, and trust in Hashem's providence. Recognizing these tactics, we must consciously overcome them, reaffirming our commitment to maaser and Hashem's partnership. By resisting the Yetzer Hara's influence and overcoming his obstacles, we strengthen our faith, cultivate selflessness, and unlock the blessings of maaser.

 

The Many Benefits of Maaser

The reward for overcoming our internal struggle regarding maser is very great as we learn from the Torah. 

By fulfilling the mitzvah of maaser we can expect many benefits:

·       Spiritual Growth: Maaser cultivates generosity, empathy, and trust in Hashem's providence.

·       Financial Blessings: Consistent tithing attracts Divine abundance, increasing our income and wealth.

·       Community Support: Maaser sustains vital community services, education, and worthy initiatives.

·       Partnership with Hashem: By giving maaser, we acknowledge Hashem's role in our prosperity, fostering a deeper connection.

 

Practical Application

Here’s how we can apply the laws of maser in our daily lives:

·       Calculate our income accurately

·       Set aside ten percent for tzedakah

·       Designate needy beneficiaries and reputable charitable organizations

·       Consistently give maaser, trusting in Hashem's promise

​

Embracing the mitzvah of maaser transforms our relationship with Hashem and His abundance. By giving ten percent of our income to tzedakah, we unlock Divine blessings, ensuring prosperity and growth. Remember that Hashem invites us to test Him on this promise, guaranteeing that our wealth will increase. Let us embrace this sacred partnership, nurturing our faith, and enriching our lives and communities.  May the message of maaser inspire a wave of generosity, faith, and trust in Hashem's abundance.

 

Sources:

1)  Malachi 3:10 (Torah guarantee)

2) Numbers 18:21-24 (Levitical tithe)

3) Deuteronomy 14:22-29 (tithe for the poor)

4) Talmudic and Rabbinic commentaries