Shabbat 34 states that a husband must say three things in his house on eruv Shabbat: "Have you tithed? Have you prepared the Eruv? Light the candle."Just before candle lighting time a husband should ask his wife if she finished all of the preparations for Shabbat, and he should do this in a pleasant and relaxed manner. Even in modern Yisrael a person must ask "Have you tithed?" Why? Because in the land when we buy fruits and vegetables in stores, a person must be careful sure that tithes have been separated from them. (There will be more discussion on this subject in a later sheet)I learned from my Rav Ovdia-Fetaya about the laws of terumot and ma'asrot (offerings and tithes) over a bag of almonds. He demonstrated the practice the manner of separation. I recall that as he explained and concluded his teaching of the laws that I expressed that the matter was still not clear and I asked if he would explain the procedure again.
So he again explained the laws this time in detail. Again when he finished,I requested that he explain again.
He went through it a third time, and when after this I still did not understand.
Finally with a chuckle he looks at me and says "...go and ask your wife how to separate tithes."
I was embarrassed, bewildered and I for sure a bit offended. The wise man that he is, I was sure he could sense the hurt and frustration.
Some time later we spoke and Rav smiles at me as he re-opens up the wound; this time he says "...every Shabbat eve we ask our wives and other members of our homes, 'Have you tithed?' Has this ever made you realize that your wife must be a posek in this matter?He related to me that if a person is not thoroughly acquainted with tithing procedures, or if he is running late and does not have time to recite the entire text for setting aside tithes (for example, on eruv Shabbat, he should do as follows: take hold of a portion as teruma, ma'aser rishon (first tithe), and ma'aser sheni (second tithe) or ma'aser ani (tithe of the poor), and say, "I hereby set this aside in accordance with that which is written in Siddur Kol Eliyahu," "אני מפריש בזאת בהתאם לשולחן התרומות והמעשרות" or "I hereby set aside in accordance with the terumot and ma'asrot table." By doing this, a person discharges his obligation.
Understanding the Procedure:
I learned from this incidence that there was much I still needed to learn. I did not simply want to be discharged of my obligation simply because I could read it out of the siddur. I wanted more.
Over time I have met and become familiar with many poskim who are well versed in Hilchot. One whom I am glad to call friend took the time to explain the procedure to me.
On night he calls and says can you get away and meet me in Beit Knesset? I agreed. Once in the building he brings two copies of Hilchot Terumah. For several months we learn until he has confidence that I have sufficient knowledge.
This learning proved beneficial for me and I hope that my teachers learning continues.
How tithing works:
Procedure for separating terumot and ma'asrot (offerings and tithes):
In the time of Beit Miqdash people would separate 2% for the kohen. This is called "teruma gedolah," and it is Q'dosh.Of the remaining 98%, the individual separates 10% and gives it to the Levi. This is what is called "ma'aser rishon." 88% remains.
From the 88% which remains. The Levi would then separate 10% from the "ma'aser rishon" and gives it to the kohen. This is called "terumat ma'aser."After this, the individual separates another 10% on the first, second, fourth, and fifth years of the seven-year Sabbatical cycle, and bring it to Yerushali'im to be eaten there. This is "ma'aser sheni."
In our modern day, we redeem it on a perutah (small coin). On the third and sixth year it is given to the poor as "ma'aser ani." In the end, about 78% remains of the entire amount of produce one started out with.Some people continue even today to give portions of their tithes to the poor as well as Levites. It is possible to make an agreement with them, and one should ask a Posek how exactly to do this.
In any event a person should not despair and feel as if he is losing money as a result of separating tithes, for Hashem promises us that no person loses as a result of separating tithes. Quite the contrary, one who sets aside tithes is guaranteed a great blessing.
Helping our Wives Prepare for Shabbat
One should not feel as if by doing this he is wasting valuable Tora study time. In fact he should think the contrary, he should run with joy to help. By doing so he fulfills a very important mitzvah by helping his wife finish all of the work before Shabbat enters.
While the laws of Shabbat preperation go further than this one can use this as a guide to help them draw closer to observance with Tora V'Ahava.
Shabbat Shalom
Tithing before Shabbat & Assisting ones Wife pt1