From the Rabbi:
In this week's Parsha, Re’eh, we read about Ma'aser Sheni, (literally the "Second Tithe") which is separated in the first, second, fourth, and fifth years of the seven-year Shmita cycle.
Ma'aser Sheni is unique in that it is not given to the Kohen, Levi, or the poor. Rather, the person who separates it is required to physically take the produce to Jerusalem and eat it there. The verse states: "You shall tithe the entire crop of your planting, the produce of the field, on a yearly basis. You shall eat it before HaShem, your God, in the place that He will choose to rest His name- the tithe of your grain, your wine and your oil. And the firstborn of your cattle and your flocks, so that you will learn to fear HaShem, your God, all the days (Devarim 14:22-23).
The 14th-century commentator Don Isaac Abravanel asks: "What is the point of the owner’s separation of this tithe from the other produce when he himself will ultimately partake of it?" He answers that "This mitzvah is of immense value. When you separate the tithe and bring it to Jerusalem to eat it there in order to fulfill the mitzvah, before God, you will learn to fear God." So we must ask, how does eating, drinking and rejoicing teach people to be God fearing?
The 15th-century sage, Rabbi Moshe Alshich answers: "Perhaps God commanded them to take a tithe of all of their possessions to Jerusalem to deter them from repudiating the source of their bounty and that they should realize that wealth did not originate with the power of their own hands. It was as if they were giving the king his portion. This portion is 'holy to God' and from the table of the Most High."
Nechama Leibowitz builds on this and states that you eat from Maaser Sheni “before God.” You are in the presence of God and you should stand in awe of Him.
Separating Ma'aser Sheni provides an opportunity to take something as mundane as eating, and to elevate it when brought to Jerusalem, thereby discovering a spirituality that would not have been found by staying at home. So next time you visit Jerusalem (may it be soon), remember that even our most basic of actions, eating, provides a profound opportunity for growth and coming closer to God.
Shabbat Shalom!
Upcoming Classes
NOTE: Wednesday's class is being paused until further notice. Rabbi Bergman will be out of town on Saturday and Sunday this week.
Saturday at 7:30 pm - Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)
Sunday at 7:00 pm - KOT Beit Midrash
Tuesday at 1:00 pm - Parsha Conversations
Wednesday at 7:30 pm - Teachings of Rabbi Sacks
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