In the land of Israel there is a seven year agricultural cycle. The seventh year is Shemittah, when we leave the ground fallow. During the first through sixth years we are obligated to separate some produce and give it to the Kohen. This is called Terumah. We then separate a tenth from the remaining grain and give it to the Levi (Levite). This is called Ma’aser (which means a tenth).
There is a second separation of a tenth from the remaining produce during the first, second, fourth, and fifth years called Ma’aser Sheni (the second tenth). It is sanctified to the point that it may only be eaten in the holy city of Jerusalem. There is also an option to replace the Ma’aser Sheni produce with coins by transferring the sanctity from the fruits on to them and those coins must be spent on food and drink in Jerusalem. During the third and sixth years the second separation of a tenth is given to the poor and is called Ma’aser Oni (the tenth for the poor).
Rabbi Zev Leff of Moshav Matityahu in Israel asks why we practice Ma’aser Sheni before Ma’aser Oni. Wouldn’t it be appropriate to take care of those in need before we enjoy the produce ourselves?
Rambam (Maimonides) writes in the Laws of Gifts to the Poor 10:4, “Anyone who gives tzedakah to a poor person with a scowl and causes the poor man’s face to fall in shame; even if he gave him a thousand coins, has destroyed and lost any merit thereby. Rather, one should give cheerfully, with happiness [to do so] and empathy for his plight, as it is said, (Job 30:25) Did I not weep for the unfortunate? Did I not grieve for the needy? And one should speak to him words of comfort and consolation, as it is said, (Job 29:13) “I gladdened the heart of the widow.”
If the way to give Tzedakah is to give happily, with empathy, and words of comfort it’s clear that Tzedaka is more than just supplying someone with their material needs. It’s about making the needy person feel whole.
But giving in this manner can be challenging because it’s not easy giving away money especially if you don’t have much of it yourself.
Rabbi Leff writes that the mitzvah of Ma’aser Sheni helps us give Tzedakah in the way it should be given. This mitzvah carries two vital lessons.
In this week’s parsha we read:
וַהֲבֵאתֶם שָׁמָּה עֹלֹתֵיכֶם וְזִבְחֵיכֶם וְאֵת מַעְשְׂרֹתֵיכֶם וְאֵת תְּרוּמַת יֶדְכֶם
And there you are to bring your burnt offerings and other sacrifices, your tithes and contributions… (12:6)
The words, ”your tithes,” are explained in Rashi’s commentary to refer to both the tithing of the cattle and the Maaser Sheni (the Second Tithe). This teaches us that both must be eaten within the environs of Jerusalem.
The fact that the Torah mandates that we only eat Ma’aser Sheni in Jerusalem (together with other laws of how we may eat it ) teaches us that the bounty of our fields is a gift to us from Hashem and it is He who dictates how we use it. Therefore we should be happy to heed his call to help the needy.
The second lesson comes from the next verse.
וַאֲכַלְתֶּם־שָׁם לִפְנֵי ה’ אֱ-לֹהֵיכֶם וּשְׂמַחְתֶּם בְּכֹל מִשְׁלַח יֶדְכֶם אַתֶּם וּבָתֵּיכֶם אֲשֶׁר בֵּרַכְךָ ה’ אֱ-לֹהֶיךָ׃
Together with your households, you shall feast there before the LORD your God, happy in all the undertakings in which the LORD your God has blessed you. (12:7)
This teaches that you will experience joy when you use your material wealth in the way prescribed by Hashem. Therefore don’t hesitate about helping the poor because that will bring you happiness.
This is why, explains Rabbi Leff, the Torah has us observe Ma’aser Sheni before observing Ma’aser Oni. Ma’aser Sheni will imbue us with the lessons that will inspire us to joyfully help the needy and revive their spirits.
Shabbat Shalom!
Yitzchak