It is unfortunate that the concept of tithing sounds so goyishe and churchy today.  The fact is that, like so many other practices, the gentile church adapted the tithe concept from the Torah and the original Jewish customs of first century Judaism.  In the contemporary Jewish community, we have long forgotten this mitzvah since the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE.  However, every religious community seems to agree that there is a fundamental need and requirement to support your local congregation.  Of course, the modern Jewish adaptation is not the tithe but synagogue dues and membership.  Nonetheless, there are some vital truths to be learned as we reflect of the ancient Torah practice.In this parasha (specifically Bemidbar/Numbers 18:21-29) we see several valuable lessons for our own spiritual walk today. 

In essence, the tithe gift was to express our gratitude to God.  As our people understood the blessings from our Heavenly Father, the natural response would be to give something back in return.  Note that this is vastly different from the pagan religions of the day that had sacrifices to appease the wrath of their fickle gods.  In contrast, Israel was commanded to give a tithe sacrifice as a response to God's goodness.  The Hebrew word is informative regarding the essence of the tithe concept.  "Ma'aser" is from the word for ten/eser as is also reflected in the English "tithe/tenth".  It is clear, therefore, the amount that the Torah speaks of.  By definition, this gift to the temple and priests is ten percent of a person's income.  It is technically a contradiction in terms to say one can "tithe" five percent or two percent.  While that may be a commendable gift to God, it is not a tithe. 

 

The parasha actually uses two different terms in this regard: ma'aser (v.21) and terumah (v.28).  This indicates that there are various gifts and offerings of varying amounts besides the ten percent tithe.A broader study of this concept reveals even more important detail.  The rabbis noted that there are essentially three different tithes in the Torah.  The first, spoken here in the parasha, is what was called the "Rishon/first" tithe.  This was given to the Levites for the Temple upkeep as well as for their own financial provision.  Remember, the Levites had no land or occupational income beyond the tithes of the other 12 tribes.  Beyond this Temple tithe was an "Oni/poor" tithe for benevolence assistance for the stranger, orphan and widow given on every third and sixth year (Deut.26:12).  This was the biblical version of the safety net reflected in our modern Social Security.  Hopefully, our synagogues likewise have a benevolence fund to share with those in need.  There was a final tithe called the "Sheni/second" offering that was to be spent in Israel on the first, second, fourth and fifth year.  While it was given as a sacrifice, the Sheni was a beautiful picture of Jews rejoicing together in Israel.  That is why it is still a great mitzvah to take trips to Israel and spend your money freely to bless the land. 

 

The recent UMJC Shavuot Prayer Offering fits this paradigm nicely as our community could send a love gift to bless Israel and specifically the messianic Jewish community in the Land.  When all is added up, the Torah observant Jew of biblical times gave about 24 percent of their income to HaShem for these purposes and this does not even include additional terumot/offerings beyond the various tithes.  It is interesting that some believers struggle with the idea of ten percent when that would be quite a discount.

 

With all these details, please don't miss the simple yet profound principle of the mitzvah.  We give gifts back to God to express our gratitude for all He has done for us.  We love because He first loved us (I Yochanan/John 4:19).  Yet how practical our God is!  While expressing of love for Him through our tithing, the biblical Jewish community would also provide for the ongoing development and maintanance of essential structures for our religious life.  The application of Parashat Koach is quite vital in our day.  True, there have been some adaptations in details since the destruction of the Bet HaMikdash yet the principles can guide us today.  Some may object that this part of the Torah is impossible to keep.  I would suggest that, while the specifics of tithing are no longer in force, it is the only biblical principle for modern Messianic Jews (and Christians) today. 

 

Many modern messianic synagogues do not charge membership dues out of respect for the freedom of the New Covenant.  From my knowledge, most do not pass a plate on shabbes for an offering either.  Many find a suitable option with a offering box at shul for our modern tithe and offerings.  We are a synagogue movement which means we also have the practical expenses of running a shul.  If we are to be successful in our vision for a great Yeshua-movement among our people, we believers above all will need to remember and observe the principles of Parashat Korach.  What a joy to give to God in response to His gifts to us!  It is an extra blessing that we can use our ma'aser not only to give praise to HaShem but to practically provide for our local messianic shul.  If we believe in the vision of Messianic Judaism, we will naturally need to sacrifice to help build this new community in our local cities.  When we understand the prophetic promises of the Tenach regarding our people, it should certainly be our blessing and privilege to give for such an eternal cause.  May we find a deeper joy and purpose as we support our local messianic synagogue.  God loves a cheerful giver (II Corinthians 9:7). 

 

Shabbat Shalom!