Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Teachings Online

Maaser kesofim / Tithing (Video)

Weekly Sidra: Terumah (Gift) Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 25:1-27:19 Haftorah: Yeshayahu / Isaiah 66:1-24 He who pays Maaser removes part of his self love for the sake of the Creator. Maaser kesofim literally means a tenth of money. Tithing one’s income for charity, is an age-old practice dating back to our forefathers’ days. Avraham gave Maaser to Malki-Tzedek (Bereishis 14:20); Yitzchak gave Maaser (Rashi Sefer Bereishit 26:12); and Yaakov, too, says, "And of all that You will give me I will surely give a tenth to You" (Bereishis 28:22). In addition, tithing is a time-honored formula for becoming wealthy (Tanchume Devarim 18), so much so that it is even permitted to give Maaser with the intent of "testing" Hashem to see if one will become rich through giving tithes (Based on the verse in Malachi 3:10). Is there any difference between the Mitzvah to give Tzedakah (charity) [...]