The Torah says “Asser T’Asser“, “You shall certainly give tithe”. It is a command to a farmer to provide away one tenth of his produce, or one tenth of a businessman’s income, to the Levites and needy. “Maaser” in Hebrew.
The Sages have a saying: “Asser, bishvil shetisasher“, “Give away a tenth that you could be develop into wealthy.” The Hebrew phrases “Asser” (give a tenth) and “Osher” (wealth) derive from the identical root.
Right here is one story amongst many from the Talmud how somebody who gave a tenth was rewarded.
As soon as upon a time a few years in the past in Israel, there lived a farmer whose area produced a thousand bushels of wheat yearly, a considerable quantity. The very first thing he all the time did after harvest was to set aside a full tenth as “Maaser“. This was a complete of 100 bushels of wheat – quite a bit. He gave it away fortunately although, to the servants of G-d within the Holy Temple and the needy. There was a lot for no matter he wanted, in addition to financial savings. He was getting extra affluent yearly.
Earlier than he handed away, he informed his son: “All the things will now belong to you to do as you want. Hearken to my recommendation and faithfully give “Maaser“, a tenth to charity, and our land will proceed to supply one thousand bushels a yr.”
Harvest time got here, and the land grew one thousand bushels of wheat. The son adopted his father’s instruction and gave 100 bushels as “Maaser” to charity.
The subsequent yr the son felt he didn’t have to provide away a lot, so for no matter excuse he gave ninety bushels as a substitute.
The yr after that, the land solely grew 9 hundred bushels. The son tried to make up his loss and gave solely eighty bushels.
He banked on the following yr’s harvest, however to his dismay it solely produced eight hundred bushels.
He didn’t understand what was taking place, and fanatically stored reducing again the quantity he gave out.
After a number of years he was getting just one hundred bushels out of his farm. This was as a lot as his father initially gave for charity.
He invited his family and friends to assist him bear his misfortune. Everybody got here, however they have been dressed as if for a celebration.
“Why did you come to insult me?” he cried.
“G-d forbid”, they stated. “You used to personal the land and provides ten % to G-d’s dependents. Now G-d owns the land and also you get the ten %. You deserve congratulations on develop into a servant of G-d within the Holy Temple.
The younger man realized the lesson his buddies taught him, and gave much more charity. Very quickly he was much more affluent than earlier than, and everyone lived fortunately ever after.
