Turns out, the Torah has something to say about that. And it's not just about the money, but about the joy we bring to the act of giving.
The Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal interpretations on the Book of Deuteronomy, tackles this very question. In section 138, it zeroes in on the phrase "the tribute of the offering of your hand." The Sifrei tells us something pretty straightforward: your obligatory offerings should come from chullin. What's chullin? It simply means non-consecrated, everyday monies. Regular funds, not something already set aside for sacred use.
But what if you wanted to add a little extra? What if you felt moved to include some of your tithe money – the money already designated for holy purposes?
Well, the Torah anticipates that too! It doesn't forbid it. The Sifrei derives permission from the verse "as the L-rd your G-d will bless you" (Deuteronomy 16:11). This implies that you can add to your offering from your blessed tithes, if you so choose. It's a beautiful idea, isn't it? That our generosity can flow from both our everyday earnings and from the portions we've already dedicated to the divine.
And speaking of generosity and dedication, let’s talk about joy. The Sifrei draws a fascinating parallel using the word "rejoice." Deuteronomy 16:11 says, "And you shall rejoice before the L-rd your G-d." The text points out that the same word, "rejoice," appears elsewhere in Deuteronomy (27:7). In that instance, the rejoicing is explicitly connected with peace-offerings, or shelamim in Hebrew.
So, what's the connection? The Sifrei concludes that just as rejoicing in Deuteronomy 27:7 involves peace-offerings, so too does the rejoicing in Deuteronomy 16:11.
It's not just about fulfilling an obligation, but about bringing joy and shalom – peace, wholeness – to the act of offering. We can see how important the intention behind the offering is, not just the offering itself. Our offerings, whether monetary or otherwise, aren't just about fulfilling a duty. They're an opportunity to express joy, gratitude, and connection. And that, perhaps, is the most sacred offering of all. Can we bring that joy and intention into our own acts of giving, whatever form they may take?