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Tithing


Question:

Do all Jews tithe? Can the tithe be money? Are there any sources for tithing?



AskTheRabbi.org answered:

In Biblical times tithing was applicable to every person with the exception of the Kohanim (Priests). Food products grown in the ground were tithed, certain animals were tithed and money was tithed. As a rule the tithe was given to the Kohanim and it was one of the ways that the populace would supply the Priests with an income since they did not receive any income for working in the Temple.

However, there is an additional tithe that is taken from one's income that is applicable today as well. People give ten percent of their income to charity.

There are various sources in the Torah for the concept of giving a tenth to charity. Abraham gave Malkizedek a tenth of all he had, Genesis 14:20. Jacob pledged that he would give a tenth of all he had to God, ibid. 28:22. There are numerous mentions of the concept in the Bible, the Midrashic texts, the Talmud and the Commentaries. The Torah states explicitly that the reason to give charity is to help those in need, Deuteronomy 15:7-8 and Leviticus 25:35. The Code of Jewish Law, Yoreh Deah 249, states that one fifth is a maximum amount that should be given to charity and the minimum is one tenth. The amount given should be taken from capital received and calculated from any profits that might be earned each year.


 
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