Twice during every seven-year cycle, the Torah enjoins us to declare that we have properly tithed our produce:
"When you finish taking all the tithes for your produce ... you should declare before the Lord your God: I have removed all the sacred portions from the house. I have given to the Levite, the stranger, the orphan and the widow, according to all the instructions that You commanded me." (Deut. 26:12-13)
What are these tithing instructions that God prescribed?
The Mishnah in Ma’aser Sheini (7:11) explains that the declaration refers to tithing in the proper order.
First, ma’aser rishon, the first tenth, is given to the Levites.
Only afterwards is ma’aser sheini, the second tithe, set aside to be consumed by its owner in Jerusalem.
Why is the order so important? What does it matter which ma’aser is apportioned first?
The Mishnah teaches us an important lesson in how we should fulfill our moral obligations. The Torah wants to impress upon us the importance of carrying out our duties in the correct order and at the appropriate time. If the hour is right, our efforts will bring about great good in the world.
But when we rush to address problems before their time, even good intentions can produce harmful results and prevent much good.
Four Levels of Responsibility
Our first responsibility is for the welfare of our family.
Only afterwards come our obligations to our nation.
Next comes our concern for all human beings, and finally, for all creatures.
Only after taking care of our family should we turn toward the needs of our nation. Fortunate is the individual whose obligations toward his people are such that he has the opportunity to work also for the good of all humanity.
The prophets spoke of a future era when humanity will no longer need to help one another. Spiritually, there will be no need to teach others, “For all will know Me, both small and large" (Jeremiah 31:34). None will require physical assistance, since “The lame will leap like deer and the tongue of the mute will sing" (Isaiah 35:6) and “He will swallow up death forever" (Isaiah 25:8). Nor will economic support be required, as “There shall be no needy among you" (Deut. 15:4).
What, then, will become of our natural inclination to help others? Who will require our aid?
At that time, we will turn to the creatures beneath us. We will care for them and elevate them until “the cow and the bear will graze together" (Isaiah 11:7). Humanity will finally be revealed as a benevolent king, watching over all creatures.
Moral Recklessness
Sadly, there are people so troubled by the woes of the world - war, ignorance, oppression - that, in their haste to repair the world, they neglect the needs of their own families and communities. Instead of bringing greater good, they cause greater sorrow by overlooking the needs of those who are closest to them.
Likewise, some hasten to help the animals while disregarding the suffering of people in front of them. These rash individuals cause great evil in their attempts to alleviate problems before their time.
This is why the Torah requires us to declare that we have properly fulfilled our obligations in tithing our produce. It is not enough to do the right thing.
We must also do it in the right order and at the right time.
(Gold from the Land of Israel, pp. 336-338. Adapted from Ein Eyah vol. II, p. 406, sent by Rabbii Chanan Morrison, RavKookTorah.org)
