YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
Answer: The discussion breaks up into two parts. 1) Ma’asrot to which hafrasha ("taking off" – they are actually described as being set aside but only the trumot, not the ma’asrot are physically taken off) at processing centers, which is done on a mass scale. In that case, on the one hand, the mitzva is significant but on the other hand, it is daunting (one competes in the market with people who will not be taking off close to 20%). 2) Ma’asrot from produce that grew in one’s garden or was bought in a store that does not take off ma’asrot.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (657)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
619 - Ask the Rabbi: The Transition from Shabbat into Tisha B’av
620 - Ask the Rabbi: Giving Ma’asrot to the Intended Recipients
621 - Ask the Rabbi: How to Tell When Your Tefillin Need Adjustment
Load More
There are obviously poor people who can prove their poverty, and so it is more difficult to not give to them. Presumably, kashrut organizations suffice with making the produce permitted to eat, and leave the decision of whether to give ma’aser ani (see below a way it can be done) to the farmer, who will also consider his ability to stay profitable.
2) Most produce in Israel undergoes the taking of trumot and ma’asrot at processing or distribution centers. Therefore, even if one buys at a supermarket without a hechsher, it is rarely more than a safek whether it needs further tithing. Under those circumstances, one does not have to give the ma’asrot he "took off" (see discussion in Mishpetei Eretz, Trumot U’maasrot 17:2).
In regard to that which grows locally or can be traced to a process that does not include hafrasha, the situation is as follows. Regarding ma’aser rishon, some still rely on the Chazon Ish and do not give. Presumably, it would be wonderful to have a levi to give the portion of the produce that correspond to the ma’aser, as a levi would likely be pleased to give expression to his levi status; he could then either keep the produce or gift it back.
Regarding ma’aser ani, it is usually not very useful and actually insulting to be designated a recipient of ma’aser ani and receive minimal benefit from it. A halachically practical system is to lend money to a poor person of an amount that corresponds to the expected value of all the ma’aser ani of that period. The loan works with the condition that it will be paid back only with the ani’s nominal (non-physical) acceptance (as ma’aser ani) and return (as loan payment) of the produce to the giver (Mishpetei Eretz ibid. 9). Because arranging all of this is not so simple, fine organizations (that deal with land-based mitzvot) arrange everything and have people sign up and pay a set fee, which includes the money for the loan that halachically facilitates the ma’aser giving. The same can be done regarding giving to levi’im. It can also work for farmers, who would have to give a lot more than a non-producer, but for whom there is also a mechanism that makes it much cheaper than 10% of the market value of his produce (details are beyond our present scope).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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.
