In this week’s Parasha, both the Kohanim and the Levi’im are rewarded for their dedication to the service of God. Every Jew is commanded to give “ma’aser,” donating 1/10th of their produce to the Levi’im, who in turn, also donate a tenth of their received portion to the Kohanim. The Sefer Hachinuch ⁽¹⁾ explains that this continuous cycle of giving and support amongst Bnei Yisrael promotes the acknowledgment of God. Just like the Levite tribe ranks higher than Yisrael, and a Kohen ranks higher than a Levi, so too, the One Above ranks higher than all. Everything we have is from Hashem and thus the Torah teaches us that by giving ma’aser, one is giving a “gift of Hashem” and a “gift to Hashem.”

“מִכֹּל֙ מַתְּנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם תָּרִ֕ימוּ אֵ֖ת כָּל־תְּרוּמַ֣ת יְהוָ֑ה מִכָּל־חֶלְבּ֔וֹ אֶֽת־מִקְדְּשׁ֖וֹ מִמֶּֽנּוּ”

From all your gifts you shall raise up every gift of Hashem, from all it’s best parts, it’s sacred part from it” (Bamidbar 18:29).

Hashem is always giving to us and is the ultimate source of all the blessings in our lives. Now, Hashem commands us to give back to Him, so to speak, creating a permanent relationship of constantly giving to one another.  

The heart, which symbolizes love, functions in the same exact way by taking in and receiving blood from the veins and pumping it back out, delivering blood to all the organs so that they can function. 

Hashem loves us so much and not only constantly gives to us, but even greater, He has given us the ability to give as well, allowing us to remain connected and maintain an active role in the loving relationship with Him and all of Klal Yisrael. The more you give, the more you love! ⁽²⁾

_{#SPREAD THE LOVE}

_{(1) 392; (2) R’ Dessler, Michtav Me’Eliyahu}