Mitzvah —
253
The Levite must set aside a tenth of his tithe for the Kohen
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וְאֶל־הַלְוִיִּ֣ם תְּדַבֵּר֮ וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶם֒ כִּֽי־תִ֠קְח֠וּ מֵאֵ֨ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת־הַֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָתַ֧תִּי לָכֶ֛ם מֵאִתָּ֖ם בְּנַחֲלַתְכֶ֑ם וַהֲרֵמֹתֶ֤ם מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ תְּרוּמַ֣ת יְהֹוָ֔ה מַעֲשֵׂ֖ר מִן־הַֽמַּעֲשֵֽׂר׃ - פָּרָשַׁת קֹרַח
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Numbers 18:26 - "Speak to the Levites and tell them, "When you take the tithe from the children of Israel which I have given you from them as your inheritance, you shall set aside from it a gift for the Lord, a tithe of the tithe."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
The Levites must give a tenth of their received tithe (Ma’aser Rishon) to the Kohanim, known as Terumat Ma’aser.
This mitzvah establishes that the Levites, who receive the first tithe (Ma’aser Rishon) from Israel’s produce, must in turn give a tenth of it to the Kohanim. This “tithe of the tithe” (Ma’aser Min HaMa’aser) is sacred and may only be eaten by Kohanim in purity.
It ensures that the Kohanim, who serve directly in the Temple, receive their portion even from the Levites’ gifts, reinforcing the hierarchy of sanctity within Israel’s support system.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 3:11): Rules that the Levites are obligated to separate exactly one-tenth of their tithe for the Kohanim, and this portion is considered holy like Terumah Gedolah.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 508): Explains that the mitzvah supports the Kohanim, who serve the nation in the holiest capacity, while also training the Levites to generosity and reverence.
- Talmud (Yevamot 86b): Derives that Terumat Ma’aser carries the same restrictions of purity as Terumah Gedolah.
- Rashi (Numbers 18:26): Notes that even those who live from gifts must themselves give, teaching humility and responsibility.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 508) teaches that even the Levites, who themselves depend on the people’s gifts, must still give a portion. This strengthens faith that all sustenance comes from Hashem, and that none are exempt from serving Him through giving.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Talmud (Yevamot 86b) rules that Terumat Ma’aser carries the same sanctity and restrictions as Terumah Gedolah. The mitzvah elevates produce into a holy gift reserved for Kohanim.
Charity – צְדָקָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 3:11) emphasizes that Levites must give a precise tenth of their tithe to the Kohanim. This act embodies structured charity, showing that giving is not optional generosity but a commanded duty.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Rashi (Numbers 18:26) notes that even recipients of gifts are obligated to give from what they receive. This reflects justice and fairness — no one is excluded from responsibility to share.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- By commanding Levites to give to Kohanim, the Torah ensures that all parts of the community contribute to those who serve in the holiest capacity. This creates a layered system of mutual support.
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
- Like other agricultural mitzvot, this command ties farming and produce to sanctity. The “tithe of the tithe” ensures that the holiness of the harvest reaches its highest recipients.
Terumah / Ma’aser – תְּרוּמָה / מַעֲשֵׂר
- Rambam stresses that Terumat Ma’aser is distinct but carries equal sanctity to Terumah Gedolah. It highlights the complex system of agricultural separation required by the Torah.
Priests – כֹּהֲנִים
- Kohanim are the direct beneficiaries, receiving this portion as part of their Divine service. It sustains them in their Temple duties and Torah teaching.
Levites – לְוִיִּם
- The mitzvah trains Levites in humility and responsibility. Even though they rely on gifts, they must pass on part of their share, modeling generosity and discipline.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- Talmud (Kiddushin 38b–39a) affirms that Terumat Ma’aser applies biblically only in the Land of Israel, like the other agricultural separations.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- By separating this portion, Levites fulfill Hashem’s command, sanctifying their inheritance as service to Him.
Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ
- The mitzvah also expresses fairness to others. Levites must recognize their role within the wider system of sharing, ensuring that Kohanim are supported through their portion as well.
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