The core of this passage revolves around the first tithe, the ma'aser rishon. This was a portion of the harvest given to the Levites, the tribe dedicated to serving in the Temple. Why them? Because, as we're reminded in Numbers 18:21, "And to the sons of Levi I have given all the tithe in Israel as an inheritance." It’s an "inheritance" – a powerful word, isn’t it?
R. Eliezer b. Yaakov makes a really sharp point here. He says that the very word "inheritance" implies permanence. An inheritance isn't something easily taken back or rescinded. It’s a birthright, a legacy. So, too, is the first tithe meant to be a stable, reliable source of support for the Levites.
But then the question arises: what exactly is subject to this tithe? Does it apply to everything that grows in the field? Here's where it gets interesting.
The text considers the case of leket, shikchah, and peah (mentioned in Leviticus 19). These are gleanings left in the field for the poor: leket are single stalks of grain that fall during the harvest, shikchah are forgotten sheaves, and peah refers to the corners of the field left unharvested. These are all acts of kindness, provisions specifically set aside for those in need.
So, does the tithe apply to these as well? Should the Levites get a cut of what's already designated for the poor?
The answer, according to Sifrei Devarim, is a resounding NO. The verse "And the Levite shall come, for he has no portion and inheritance with you" (Deuteronomy 18:1) is interpreted as a crucial qualification. It's saying that you only give the Levite a tithe from things in which he doesn't already have a share.
And in what does he have a share? Well, the same chapter in Leviticus (19:10) tells us that the leket, shikchah, and peah are "To the poor and to the stranger shall you leave them." The Levites, as members of the community, indirectly benefit from these provisions alongside everyone else. They have a shared inheritance in the general welfare system.
Therefore, these gleanings are excluded from the tithe. The Levites receive their due from the main harvest, ensuring their sustenance, while the poor receive the gleanings, fulfilling their needs. It's a system of checks and balances, ensuring that everyone is cared for.
What I find so beautiful about this passage is its subtle yet profound message about balance and intention. It's not just about blindly following the law; it’s about understanding the spirit behind it. It's about recognizing the interconnectedness of the community and ensuring that everyone, from the Levite to the poorest among us, receives their due. What does this teach us about how we can better take care of one another? It's certainly something to think about.