The Spiritual Secret to Wealth: How Tithing (Ma'aser) Unlocks Divine Blessing

Many Jewish texts promise profound blessings for those who give charity in the form of ma'aser kesafim, a tenth of one’s income. In this section, I’ll share powerful teachings from our Sages that guarantee abundant sustenance for anyone who faithfully observes this mitzvah (commandment). According to these sources, such a person will never lack for anything.

Ma'aser Kesafim – Giving a Tenth

In the Talmud (Taanit 9), Rabbi Yochanan says: "Aser te'aser – tithe, so that you will become wealthy." The Tosafot clarify that this blessing of wealth applies not only to agricultural produce but also to money earned in any way. If a Jew sets aside 10% of all income for charity, G-d promises wealth in return.

This is also the only mitzvah where it is explicitly permitted to “test” G-d, as ruled by the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah, Siman 247) in the name of the Beit Yosef. The prophet Malachi says (Malachi 3):
"Bring the full tithe to the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until there is no room to receive it." G-d is inviting us—“Test Me in this!”—and promises boundless blessing in return.

What If I'm Already Tithing and Still Struggling?

Many people ask: “I’ve been giving a tenth of my earnings for years, and I’m still under financial pressure. What happened to the promise of wealth?” After much research and speaking with these individuals, I found a common thread: they weren’t fulfilling the mitzvah properly according to halacha (Jewish law).

Condition 1: Accuracy in Calculation

The first condition is precise calculation. The Beit Yosef (Responsa Avkat Rochel 3) writes that ma'aser has a spiritual energy rooted in Kabbalah, and the blessing only applies when the 10% is given exactly, without rounding down. If you wish to give more, you must state clearly that the additional amount is being given as regular charity (tzedakah), not as part of the ma'aser.

People also frequently forget to tithe unexpected income, such as gifts, found money, bonuses, or any income received by a spouse or child. To merit the blessing, one must treat all income as titheable and set it aside promptly before forgetting.

Delays in separating ma’aser can also create difficulties. When the total adds up, it may feel overwhelming to give a large amount at once.

Condition 2: Where the Ma'aser Goes

The prophet’s promise of wealth includes a specific condition:
“Bring the full tithe to the storehouse so there may be food in My house.” Rashi explains that this means the tithe should go to Torah scholars who dedicate their lives to study.

The Chafetz Chaim, in his book Ahavat Chesed, stresses that the guarantee of wealth only applies to those who give their ma’aser to Torah learners or the poor.

Why is G-d willing to be “tested” with this mitzvah? The Radbaz explains that it’s because ma’aser sustains Torah learning and supports the poor, which are two essential pillars of the Jewish people. G-d essentially says: “I will accept being tested—if you use your money to sustain Torah and the needy.”

While leading halachic authorities, such as Rabbi Ovadia Yosef (Yechaveh Daat), ruled that one may support their adult children with ma’aser funds, this use does not come with a promise of wealth. If you want to receive the full blessing, your ma’aser should be given specifically to Torah scholars or genuinely needy individuals.

Be especially careful to research and verify the trustworthiness of the organization or person receiving your tzedakah. The Talmud (Bava Batra) warns that giving to unworthy recipients doesn’t fulfill the mitzvah at all. Tragically, many well-meaning donors are misled by scammers or unverified causes, and then wonder why the promised blessings didn’t come.

As you wouldn’t invest money in a business you haven’t researched, you shouldn't donate your ma’aser to a cause or charity you haven't verified. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 249:7) rules that one should only give tzedakah to funds overseen by a G-d-fearing, knowledgeable person who distributes the money according to halacha.

If you're unsure, consult a Torah scholar familiar with these matters before donating. When you find a trustworthy Torah institution or charity that supports Torah learners and the poor, divide your ma’aser among them.

Condition 3: Give a Fifth for Greater Blessing

Rabbi Yosef Karo, in Avkat Rochel, quoting the Jerusalem Talmud, teaches that the ideal amount to give is a fifth (20%) of one’s income. This is also supported by the Vilna Gaon, who explains the verse in Genesis, where Jacob says: “Of all that You give me, tithe I will tithe it to You.” The repetition implies double tithing of 20%.

Some halachic opinions argue that giving 10% is sufficient, but many believe that 10% protects your money, while 20% brings wealth.

Those who can afford to give more should do so, and clearly state that the extra portion is charity beyond the required tithe.

A Personal Note

When I first committed to giving 20% of my income, something went wrong with my car which was an expensive repair. At first, I was disheartened, but then I realized, this was a test of faith. Was I truly trusting in G-d? Would I keep giving, even when it hurt? Thank G-d, within about a year, I began to see clear signs of blessing in my life.

If you want to tap into the powerful blessing of wealth through giving, remember:

• Give a full 10% or ideally 20%, calculated precisely.

• Direct it toward Torah scholars and the truly needy.

• Give through trusted individuals or organizations who are G-d-fearing and halachically knowledgeable.

• Declare any additional amount as extra charity.

• Don’t give in to doubts. The evil inclination will try to weaken your faith—stand firm.

This mitzvah is not just about money, but it’s about trust, clarity of intention, and commitment to uplifting others. When done right, it opens the gates of heaven for abundant blessing.