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Answer: It is important to understand that ma’aser kesafim (which you are blessed with the wherewithal to perform and bodes well for your financial future – see Ta’anit 9a with Tosafot) is not an independent mitzva but rather a mode of fulfilling the mitzva of tzedaka (see Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 249:1). There are various opinions whether ma’aser kesafim is required from the Torah, required Rabbinically, or a recommended practice (Shut Chatam Sofer II:231), with the latter being the more accepted opinion (see Living the Halachic Process, G-8). Poskim say that the practice has the potential of become binding as a repeated mitzva practice. Therefore, one should begin ma’aser kesafim with a stipulation that it not become a neder, or at least that he not be bound to follow the more stringent opinions (see Chatam Sofer ibid.; Ahavat Chesed II:18). It should not be too surprising that this less structured and halachically fluid practice has fewer classical sources and analysis than one might have expected.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
603 - Ask the Rabbi: Keeping Bread on the Table
604 - Ask the Rabbi: Timing of Ma’aser Kesafim
605 - Ask the Rabbi: Ice Cream on Hot Cake on Shabbat
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Let us discuss principles of preference and suggest a basic approach that will work well for many people. First, realize that ma’aser kesafim adds two stages to the basic action of tzedaka: calculating and setting aside the money. It is generally worthwhile to do these in proximity to each other, as once one has determined how much he "owes," he should act with diligence.
One principle of tzedaka is that quantity of actions counts. The more chesed-related acts one does (even "smaller" ones), the better it is for developing positive attributes (Rambam to Avot 3:15). While the Rambam refers to giving money to the ani, this should apply to setting aside money as well. Ma’aser kesafim, after all, separates the experience of tzedaka, as one "takes money out of his pocket" at a different time from when he gives it to the poor person. Therefore, it is good to actively set aside money periodically, even if exact calculation is only done once yearly. One may estimate the amount due and adjust later, including downward (see two opinions in Ahavat Chesed ibid. and the lenient ruling in Tzedaka U’mishpat 5:11 and Living the Halachic Process I, F-5).
Some people’s style and finances make it wise to set aside money as it comes in (for most, from salary), and some set up a hora’at keva (standing order) to ensure consistency. However, this is not necessary and may not even be preferable according to the above Rambam. It is perfectly acceptable to time contributions when you have extra income (e.g., bonuses, help from parents, investment sales).
Nowadays, when much finance is done through bank accounts and electronic payments, it is usually wise to set aside funds in forms that make contributing sizable sums efficient. While there is logic to disbursing money diligently, for many there is great wisdom in keeping significant funds on hand. This makes sense when one wants to be prepared for large needs among family or friends or is waiting for campaigns of favorite charities. Placing such "donations in waiting" in a gemach that guarantees return of funds as needed is ideal to both keep tzedaka money in use and remain prepared.
May we always have the ability to give to others.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions Ask the Rabbi: Having a Non-Jew Build a Sukka and Assemble Arba’a Minim
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
