Translated and abridged by Rabbi Chanan Morrison
Parshat Korach
Levies for Levites
After the Korach rebellion, challenging the special status of the Levites and the kohanim, God enumerated the various ways the Jewish people support the tribe of Levi. The Levites were engaged in the Temple service and teaching the nation, yet received no inheritance in the Land of Israel.
"To the descendants of Levi, I am now giving all the tithes (ma'aser) in Israel as an inheritance. This is exchange for their work, the service that they perform in the Communion Tent." (Num. 18:21-22)
It is interesting to note that produce does not always need to be tithed. For example, we need not set aside ma'aser when snacking on fruit while it is still in the orchard. Unless the produce has entered the home, it does not require tithing.
At what exact point does one need to set aside a tenth for the Levites? The Sages disagreed on this matter. Rabbi Yanai said that the fruit must cross the entrance of the house. According to Rabbi Yochanan, it is enough to enter the courtyard. (Berachot 36a)
Why should tithing only be obligatory after the fruit has entered our property? And why did the Sages disagree whether it is the entrance to the house or the courtyard that determines this obligation?
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