(2007/5767)

When discussing Maaseir, the Pasuk in Parashat Re’eh uses double language, “Aseir TeAseir” “You shall surely tithe” (Devarim 12:22). The Gemara (Taanit 9a) derives from this repetition, “Aseir Bishvil SheTitasheir,” “Give Maaseir so that you will become rich.”  In fact, the Gemara states that one can even challenge Hashem to see if He keeps His promise in this regard. 

The Chatam Sofer notes that this is the only case in which the Torah allows a person to challenge Hashem.  It is also the only Mitzvah that we are allowed to do specifically to gain the reward promised.  The reason is that in regard to the Mitzvah of Maaseir, the Torah combats the Yeitzer HaRa (Dibra Torah KeNegged Yeitzer HaRa). People naturally want to be rich and don’t want to give their money to others.  The Torah therefore allows people to give from their wealth specifically to become even richer.  Although at the beginning a person gives just to get money, the hope is that eventually he will give because he is devoted to Hashem. We see this from the next Pasuk, which states, “Lemaan Tilmad LeYirah Et Hashem,” “So you will learn to fear Hashem.”  The Mitzvah involves a learning process.  One is allowed to test Hashem because in the end, he will learn to do the Mitzvah out of a desire to serve Hashem. 

Another explanation of this reward may be understood in light of the celebrated Mishnah in Pirkei Avot (4:1), which states, “Eizehu Ashir? HaSameiach BeChelko.” “Who is rich?  One who is content with what he has.” When the Gemara teaches that a person gets rich by giving Maaseir, it may mean that he will come to appreciate what he has, and therefore will be considered rich.  If we can learn to appreciate what we have, then we will merit seeing the coming of Mashiach and will be able to bring Maasrot to the Beit HaMikdash.