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Yaakov Ben Behora
The answer may be found in Rashi in Bereishit (18:16) where the same root of "shakof" is used. Rashi says this the root always refers to looking at foreboding doom, except regarding our pasuk, because giving tithes changes the attribute of anger into compassion. Kli Yakar on our pasuk explains further. If a person overcomes his inclination toward cruelty and shows compassion by giving to those in need, Hashem agrees to replace expected anger with mercy.
However, it is hard to see how a Jew displays mercy by giving tithes. There are different circumstances under which one’s money goes to the needy. A person can be moved by what he sees to give with compassion. But one can also give because it is hard to avoid doing so. For example, when one pays much taxes it does not mean he is compassionate even though much of his money ends up providing for those in need. A person who follows the laws of the Torah, even when it is inconvenient and even costly, will likewise be compelled to fulfill the religious obligation of giving ma’asrot. So where is the compassion?
The answer to this problem may be found in the gemara in Ta’anit (9a). The gemara points out that it is forbidden to test Hashem to see if He will c’v’yachol keep His word, except regarding one mitzva, giving ma’aser. This idea is actually an explicit pasuk (Malachi 3:10): "Bring the ma’aser to the storage house ... and test Me in this ...if I will not open up the windows of the heavens and shower upon you a blessing without limits." We can explain according to the Kli Yakar that Hashem allows us to treat our discipline in giving to others as if we were doing it with all the warm feelings with which we ideally should. In any case, we are promised results. This allows Rashi to use the language of challenging Hashem, as this is the one case where He told us that we can be a little chutzpadic and say: "We gave ma’aser, and we are testing you to reciprocate."
The same gemara implies that this opportunity applies not only to agricultural tithes but also to giving a tenth of one’s earnings to the poor. Let us hope that we will show both the discipline and the love involved in giving tzedakah and merit the extra credit points to pass our tests and allow us to "test Hashem" as well.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
