Daily Talk
Today we begin Hilchot Maaser -- the laws of tithes. Having mapped the Kohen's portion in Hilchot Terumot, the Rambam now turns to the Levite's share: one tenth of what remains after terumah has been separated. In the ordering of these separations -- first to God through the Kohen, then to the Levite, then to the farmer -- the Torah encodes a theology of stewardship: the land produces, but the produce does not belong entirely to the one who works it.
The Theology of the Tenth
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About This Talk
Maaser chapters 1 through 3 establish the foundations of the tithing system. Chapter 1 defines ma'aser rishon -- the first tithe given to the Levite -- including which crops are subject to tithing and the relationship between ma'aser and terumah in the order of separations. Chapter 2 introduces the critical concept of gmar melacha (completion of processing), the point at which produce becomes obligated in tithes, and the prohibition of eating tevel (untithed produce). Chapter 3 addresses specific cases involving different stages of ownership, processing, and purchase, establishing when tithing obligations attach.