Tithing...

[Curt]

Reuel,

I was letting the water run from the garden hose onto my shrubs and trees a few weeks back. I left it running for quite awhile and their was like a little river. When I came back outside their was a white dove standing in the water drinking. I had never seen one before. It made me think of the Holy Spirit.

Reuel: "As long as we don't claim the verses that speak of the tithe in regards to the Levitical Priesthood...I don't see much of a problem."

Curt: I think we can claim verses that speak of the tithe even when it is in context of the Levitical Priesthood officiating because the light being shed is not just for the Levitical Priesthood. The light being presented is true of the tithe no matter which priesthood is officiating: The Melchezedek Priesthood, The Levitical Priesthood, or God's ministers or pastors of today. The what, how where and why of the tithe transcends all the priesthoods.`The thing that changes about the tithes is which priesthood is doing the officiating.

If you are speaking of the different offerings during the various Feasts then I would say that is unique to the Levitcal Priesthood.

Example: Numbers 18:21 "Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting."

This statement is only made because during this timeframe the Levitical Priesthood was officiating. It was also true for the Melchezedek Priesthood and of today with God's ministers and pastors.`All the priesthoods received a tenth for the work which they performed, the work of the tabernacle meeting."

Reuel: "Although, when G'd reinstates the Temple, and it's Priesthood...it will be a different story. We shall see....

Curt: I don't object to however God wants to do it. I think we agreed to disagree on another web site over this issue. I don't mind disscussing it again. I see you introduced it as a topic under a different heading on this web site. I 'm willing to receive light from others and hopefully can reflect some given to me. I was waiting to give others a chance to respond to you on this issue.

[R' Y'hoshua Moshe]

Shalom Curt

The what, how where and why of the tithe transcends all the priesthoods.`The thing that changes about the tithes is which priesthood is doing the officiating.

Perhaps. But, does the scripture clearly communicate this??

It was also true for the Melchezedek Priesthood and of today with God's ministers and pastors.

Makes sense....but again, where exactly does the scripture communicate this. That is, where does the scriptures say that we are to tithe to Melchezedek. If this was clearly understood, why did not Israel seek out the Melchezedek priesthood, and tithe to it as well?

I don't object to however God wants to do it. I think we agreed to disagree on another web site over this issue. I don't mind disscussing it again. I see you introduced it as a topic under a different heading on this web site. I 'm willing to receive light from others and hopefully can reflect some given to me. I was waiting to give others a chance to respond to you on this issue.

I am also willing to recieve wisdom from the scriptures if someone can show me the error in what I communicate (throught the scriptures). In fact, this has happened all throughout my walk with Yeshua, and is the only way that I have come to my current understanding of Yeshua, G'd, and the scriptures as I was previously against what I know teach. Therefore, I welcome reproof if it serves to sharpen me. Feel free to address any of my statements that seem to be contrary to the scriptures.

Shalom brother,

Reuel

[Curt]

Reuel,

I am using both Bible verses and reasoning to form my conclusions.

Reuel: "Quote:The what, how where and why of the tithe transcends all the priesthoods.`The thing that changes about the tithes is which priesthood is doing the officiating.



Perhaps. But, does the scripture clearly communicate this??

Curt: It's clear to me. It might not be as clear to other people because they have not looked at it carefully. The principles that stay the same are: what the tithe itself is, that the tithe is always used for God's work, and that a priest or minister of God receives the tithe All the information you ask is already contained in my first response of June 30th and second response of July 8th. I will repeat and try to explain or highlight in a different way. The tithe is one-tenth of a person's income.

www.dictionary.com definition:

v. tithed, tith·ing, tithes
v. tr.
To contribute or pay a tenth part of (one's annual income).

Some verses found in my first response are:

Genesis 14;18-20 Then MELCHIZEDEK king of salem brought out bread and wine; HE WAS THE PRIEST OF GOD MOST HIGH." And he blessed him and said 'Blessed be ABRAM of God, Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.' AND HE GAVE HIM A TITHE OF ALL.

Genesis 28:22 "And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be GOD'S HOUSE, and of all that You give me I will surely GIVE A TENTH TO YOU." Even so the LORD HAS COMMANDED THAT THOSE WHO PREACH the GOSPEL SHOULD LIVE FROM THE GOSPEL."


I Corinthians 9:13-14 "Do you not know that THOSE WHO MINISTER OF HOLY THINGS EAT OF THE THINGS OF THE TEMPLE, and THOSE WHO SERVE AT THE ALTAR PARTAKE OF THE OFFERINGS OF THE ALTAR."

Verse taken from July 8th. response.

Example: Numbers 18:21 "Behold, I have given the CHILDREN OF LEVI ALL THE TITHES in Israel as an inheritance IN RETURN FOR WORK WHICH THEY PERFORM, the work of the tabernacle of meeting."

Their was a tithe given by Abram, Jacob, the children of Israel and God's church today. In Genesis 14:18-20 Abram gave a tithe. In Genesis 28:22 Jacob gave a tithe. In Numbers 18:21 Israel gave tithes. In I Corinthians 9:13-14 it shows offerings of the altar given.

In Genesis 14:18-20 tithes were given to the Melchizedek the priest of God Most High. Jacob also gave tithes to God's house. In Numbers 18:21 the tithes were given to the children of Levi. In I Corinthians 9:13-14 those who receive the tithes were ministers of Holy things.

In Genesis 14:18-20 the tithes received were used for the work of God since Melchizedek was a priest of God Most High. In Genesis 28:22 the tithes were also used for the work of God because Jacob gave them to the "house of God". The Levites also received the tithes for the work which they did. In I Corinthians 9"13-14 the ministers of God receive the tithes for the gospel they preach.

Everyone is reciving the same thing a tithe. Everyone is a priest or minister of God. Everyone is receiving the tithe for performing God's work. The thing that has changed between the three groups of people is time has gone on and the people who are officiating.

Reuel: "Quote:It was also true for the Melchezedek Priesthood and of today with God's ministers and pastors.



Makes sense....but again, where exactly does the scripture communicate this. That is, where does the scriptures say that we are to tithe to Melchezedek. If this was clearly understood, why did not Israel seek out the Melchezedek priesthood, and tithe to it as well?

Curt: The scriptures say we are to tithe to mortal men here on earth. We can't tithe to the Levitical priesthood anymore because it has been replaced by the Melchizedek priesthood. When we tithe to mortal men here on earth today we are really tithing to the Jesus who is of the Melchizedek priesthood.

Hebrews 7:8 " Here mortal men receive tithes, but their He receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives."

Hebrews 7:17 For He testifies "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."

Hebrews 7:11 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), WHAT FURTHER NEED WAS THERE THAT ANOTHER PRIEST SHOULD RISE ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK, AND NOT BE CALLED ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF AARON.

Israel could not seek out the Melchizedek priesthood because it no longer existed after their long slavery in Egypt. Israelites lost everything in their bondage, including even their Sabbath. After their bondage and exodus out of Egypt God instituted a new priesthood, the Levitical Priesthood. We disagree that the Levitical Priesthood was no longer sanctioned by God at Jesus's death. We can both agree the Levitical Priesthood ceased performing their duties whether sanctioned or not when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70. Jerusalem was destroyed, the Jews scattered over the earth. Just like it was impossible for the Levitical Priesthood to reinstitute, it was the same for the Melchizedek priesthood. What God has changed one time God can change back to a second time.

Hebrews 7:12 FOR THE PRIESTHOOD BEING CHANGED.........

[R' Y'hoshua Moshe]

Shalom Curt

You stated...

Curt: The scriptures say we are to tithe to mortal men here on earth. We can't tithe to the Levitical priesthood anymore because it has been replaced by the Melchizedek priesthood. When we tithe to mortal men here on earth today we are really tithing to the Jesus who is of the Melchizedek priesthood.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in practicing tithing to help support the ministry of The Kingdom Of G'd. But, unless someone can say that they are either, a Levitical, or a Melchezedek priest...they cannot claim to recieve a tithe on those grounds. This simply would be presumption as none of the scriptures explicitly state this. The scriptures do not say that believers are part of the Melchizedek Priesthood as this title is only given to Yeshua HaMashiach. At best we can use the tithe as a current model, and even go above, and beyond the tithe, and call it an offering to support the current ministry of G'd.

Hebrews 7:12 FOR THE PRIESTHOOD BEING CHANGED.........

This probably belongs in the thread dealing with this issue. But, the language here found in most versions poorly communicates what is actually taking place. Because the Melchizedek Priesthood exhisted before the Levitical, the Melchizedek really was not a change. If anything, the Levitical Priesthood would be the change seeing that it came after the Melchizedek Priesthood. When most versions speak of a change of The ...it does not mean that something is being replaced, but that something is being built upon the previous foundation...like an amendment. Just as an amendment does not do away with our constitution, so it is true with all of the covenants as they were being added, and built upon each other. This is what Hebrew 7:12 communicates. But, anti-nomian translaters would have you read that G-d's is being diminished by His Son (which by the standards of the TeNaKh would make Him a false prophet).

I think we can both agree that tithing is good, and to be practiced, but we must be careful how we communicate this to others. In other words, we should not dogmatically assert something that is not clearly taught in the scriptures. This is important because many people have rejected preachers, and teachers because these men, and women have twisted the scriptures for their own personal gain. We must prayerfully consider to whom our tithe, and/or offerings should go. Many people blindly tithe just because they are attending a certain fellowship...even if the ministry is not producing fruit.

B'Shem Yeshua HaMashiach,

Reuel

[Curt]

Shalom Reuel,

You stated:

Reuel: "But, unless someone can say that they are either, a Levitical, or a Melchezedek priest...they cannot claim to recieve a tithe on those grounds"

Curt: I would disagree with that because as I previously stated quoting ! Corinthians 9:13-14 the principles of tithing are shown in this verse.

I Corinthians 9:13-14 "Do you not know that THOSE WHO MINISTER THE HOLY THINGS EAT of THE THINGS OF the TEMPLE, and THOSE WHO SERVE at the ALTAR PARTAKE OF THE OFFERINGS OF THE ALTAR. Even so the Lord has commanded that THOSE WHO PREACH THE GOSPEL SHOULD LIVE FROM THE GOSPEL."

The principles shown , are again: The ministers are receiving their living from preaching the gospel. The who (ministers), the what (receive their living), the why (doing God's work, preaching the gospel). Jesus is High Priest and is or the order of Melchizedek. These same principles are the same seen in tithe taking of the Levitical Priesthood. Since Jesus commanded His ministers were entitled to live from the gospel because they were preaching the gospel, that should be high enough authority for saying He still commands tithing.

Reuel: "The scriptures do not say that believers are part of the Melchizedek Priesthood as this title is only given to Yeshua HaMashiac"

Curt: Believers are of the same priesthood as their High Priest.

Revelation 1:6 ""To Him who loved us and WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD, and has MADE US kings and PRIESTS to HIS GOD and FATHER, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen

Reuel: " At best we can use the tithe as a current model, and even go above, and beyond the tithe, and call it an offering to support the current ministry of G'd."

Curt: Offerings are up and above the ten percent tithe. Your right that the tithe should be used as a current model. The reason is the tithe is a commandment. A commandment that existed before the law of Moses and a commandment that exists today for the work of God's ministers.

Reuel: "The ...it does not mean that something is being replaced, but that something is being built upon the previous foundation...like an amendment. Just as an amendment does not do away with our constitution, so it is true with all of the covenants as they were being added, and built upon each other"

Curt: This is exactly my point about the principles of tithing. That's why I can also use a verse concerning tithes that mentions the words Levitical Priesthood. The principles of tithing were the same for the Melchizedek Priesthood, Levitical Priesthood and God's ministers of today.

Reuel: " Because the Melchizedek Priesthood exhisted before the Levitical, the Melchizedek really was not a change. If anything, the Levitical Priesthood would be the change seeing that it came after the Melchizedek Priesthood"

Curt: The Melchizedek Priesthood was changed to the Levitical Priesthood and then back to the Melchizedek Priesthood. The Bible doesn't support your conclusion that the Melchizedek Priesthood was not really a change.

Hebrews 7: 11-12 " Therefore if perfection were through the Levitical Priesthood (for under it the people received the law) WHAT FURTHER NEED WAS THERE THAT ANOTHER PRIEST SHOULD RISE ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK, AND NOT BE CALLED ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF AARON. FOR THE PRIESTHOOD BEING CHANGED........"

Reuel: "In other words, we should not dogmatically assert something that is not clearly taught in the scriptures."

Curt: You can't get much clearer than I Corinthinians 9:13-14. It's not a vague statement it is a commandment from Jesus.

Reuel: " This is important because many people have rejected preachers, and teachers because these men, and women have twisted the scriptures for their own personal gain."

Curt: And they should reject them. God was careful in whom He commanded the tithe belonged.

Malachi 3:10 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That their may be food in MY HOUSE, And try me now in this, Says the LORD of hosts,......"


God says to bring the tithes to "MY HOUSE". and of course in God's house all the truth is preached and noone twists the scriptures.

[The 614th Mitzvot]

Here is what I say. We tithe 10% to give to Eretz Yisroel and give the other 5% to the synogogues a a gift. In this way the money is used as it is truly supposed to be used and you still give to the synogogue or church. Either way, this is how I figure it, it doesn't really matter because one should give to whatever will please God, God has said 10%, so give 10% as you interpret the meaning of those certain scriptures. Just keep God in mind so that you may bless him. Personally, I give about 10% as Tzedakah to Eretz Yisroel and 5% to my synogogue. Above that, I view as simply a gift. This way I have at least satisfied my conscience and I always keep El'Shaddai in mind, as he does us.

[R' Y'hoshua Moshe]

Curt: The Melchizedek Priesthood was changed to the Levitical Priesthood and then back to the Melchizedek Priesthood. The Bible doesn't support your conclusion that the Melchizedek Priesthood was not really a change.

Hebrews 7: 11-12 " Therefore if perfection were through the Levitical Priesthood (for under it the people received the law) WHAT FURTHER NEED WAS THERE THAT ANOTHER PRIEST SHOULD RISE ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK, AND NOT BE CALLED ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF AARON. FOR THE PRIESTHOOD BEING CHANGED........"

Reuel: "In other words, we should not dogmatically assert something that is not clearly taught in the scriptures."

Again, when most versions speak of a change of The ...it does not mean that something is being replaced, but that something is being built upon the previous foundation...like an amendment. Just as an amendment does not do away with our constitution, so it is true with all of the covenants as they were being added, and built upon each other. This is what Hebrew 7:12 communicates.

But, anti-nomian translaters would have you read that G-d's is being diminished by His Son (which by the standards of the TeNaKh would make Him a false prophet). Furthermore, if the Priesthood was changed from the Melchizedek to the Levitical back to the Melchizedek...who says it can't change back to the Levitical again (if what you are saying is true)? G'd does not just change His covenants willy-nilly...cancelling...restoring, replacing...restoring. No, they are two different priesthoods...one heavenly...and one Earthly.

You think that if it was G-d's clear will for us to tithe to the Melchizedek Priesthood that when He supposedly replaced the Levitical Priesthood, He would have given us some clear language such as;

"Forget what I said earlier about the Levites in the book of Jeremiah 33:20-22. Please now disregard what I said about the Levites being an everlasting Priesthood, and that if you can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers. I know I said that before, and I know my covenant of day, and night continue in their season. Please just forget what I said about all of that...Now contrary to what I stated earlier, I will be replacing the Levitical priesthood, and they shall not reign with my Serveant David in the future, and I have replaced them with the Melchizedek priesthood, and you shall tithe to the Melchizedek Priesthood."

But, no such language is found in the scriptures. In fact, if such language was found in the scriptures I would have a hard time trusting the covenant that I have with Him. So really, whom is making the dogmatic claims not supported by scripture. The foundation (TeNakH) always interprets the Brit Hadashah (New Test.), and not the other way around. Keep on practicing the tithe as it will come in handy when the Levitical Priesthood is once again established by YHVH, and ruling in harmony with His servant David (Yeshua) as we see He promised in Jeremiah 33:20-22.

Shalom brother,

Reuel

[Curt]

Reuel,
Seems like each reply brings more and deeper information. But that is the only way to understand and shed or receive light.

Reuel states: :Again, when most versions speak of a change of The ...it does not mean that something is being replaced, but that something is being built upon the previous foundation...like an amendment. Just as an amendment does not do away with our constitution, so it is true with all of the covenants as they were being added, and built upon each other. This is what Hebrew 7:12 communicates"

Curt: The commandments concerning the Levitical Priesthood have been eliminated and not just amended or built upon. They were eliminated because they were weak and unprofitable.

Hebrews 7:18 :"18 For on the one hand there is an ANNULLING of the former commandment BECAUSE of its WEAKNESS and UNPROFITABLENESS,

The word annulling means to obliterate the existence of.

an·nul ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-nl)
tr.v. an·nulled, an·nul·ling, an·nuls
To make or declare VOID or INVALID, as a marriage or a LAW; nullify.
To OBLITERATE the effect or EXISTENCE of: “The significance of the past... is annulled in idle gusts of electronic massacre” (Alexander Cockburn).

Reuel: "But, anti-nomian translaters would have you read that G-d's is being diminished by His Son (which by the standards of the TeNaKh would make Him a false prophet).

Curt: Not all of the , just that which involves the ceremonial laws and sacrifical laws which concern the Levitical Priesthood which is a part of the law of Moses. I think God's word is saying what it is saying and that it is Judaism that is saying Jesus is a false prophet if He doesn't adhere to all of the law of Moses any longer.

Reuel: " Furthermore, if the Priesthood was changed from the Melchizedek to the Levitical back to the Melchizedek...who says it can't change back to the Levitical again (if what you are saying is true)? G'd does not just change His covenants willy-nilly...cancelling...restoring, replacing...restoring"

Curt: God says it won't be changed back.

Hebrews 7:24 "24But He, because HE CONTINUES FOREVER, has an UNCHANGEABLE PRIESTHOOD"

. Reuel: "No, they are two different priesthoods...one heavenly...and one Earthly"

Curt: I know they are two different priesthoods and one is heavenly and one is of the earth. What I'm saying is the earthly priesthood has ended. Are you saying the heavenly and earthly operate simultaneously together at the present time?

Reuel: "You think that if it was G-d's clear will for us to tithe to the Melchizedek Priesthood that when He supposedly replaced the Levitical Priesthood, He would have given us some clear language such as;"

Curt: He did give us clear language.

I Corinthians 9: 13-14 " 13Do you not know that THOSE WHO MINISTER the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar PARTAKE of the OFFERINGS of the altar? 14Even so the LORD has COMMANDED that THOSE WHO PREACH the GOSPEL should LIVE FROM the GOSPEL."

Reuel: "Forget what I said earlier about the Levites in the book of Jeremiah 33:20-22.

Curt: Jeremiah 33:20-22 "..... 20"Thus says the LORD: "If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that there will not be day and night in their season, 21then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne, and with the Levites, the priests, My ministers. 22As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, nor the sand of the sea measured, so will I multiply the descendants of David My servant and the Levites who minister to Me."

He didn't break His covenant with the day or the night. He didn't break His covenant with the Levites. The Levitical Priesthood served until the change back to the Melchizedek Priesthood. The mistake is in believing the Levitical Priesthood is to serve on into infinity.

Reuel: " and I have replaced them with the Melchizedek priesthood, and you shall tithe to the Melchizedek Priesthood."


Curt: The commandment by Jesus is to tithe to our ministers here on earth. (ICorinthians 9: 13-14). The tithe ultimately belongs to Jesus who is our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Reuel: " The foundation (TeNakH) always interprets the Brit Hadashah (New Test.), "


Curt: We all come here with "baggage". The Gentile is biast and doesn't want to obey any laws and is only under "grace". The Jew is biast and wants to obey all the laws including the sacrificial and ceremonial laws of the Levitical Priesthood which Jesus has annuled.

I agree with your statement "that the TeNakH always interprets the Brit Hadasha but it doesn't go far enough the Brit Hadashah also always intreprets the TeNakH. The whole Bible is the Word of God not just the Old Testament. Any portion of the Bible can help interpret another portion of the Bible.

II Timothy 3:16 "16 ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and IS PROFITABLE for doctrine, FOR REPROOF, for CORRECTION, for INSTRUCTION in righteousness,"

[R' Y'hoshua Moshe]

Shalom Curt,

Because this discussion is primarily focused on the priesthood, and it's covenant, I will respond to what you wrote in the thread designated for the subject on the priesthood, and the temple. We essentially agree on the subject of tithing, and that we should practice this concept. We just disagree on it's nature, and it's details.

B'Shem Yeshua HaMashiach,

Reuel

[Mark]

The first thing that you should know is that my perspective on tithing is very unpopular. Secondly, you should understand that Beit Ahavat Yeshua, our congregation, is not a 501c3 tax exempt organization. We have no bank account nor any mechanism for handling funds; yet, at the same time, we teach biblical observance of as our worship of the Most High God, which includes tithing.

So, how do we manage this? Very simply, we teach that tithing is each individual's responsibility- and not to the liability of the congregation. The Messianic community is patterned after the structure of the synagogue, not the Temple, therefore is not to receive tithes and offerings as would the Temple. The meeting of the needs of the synagogue is performed by the members who see a need and are led to fill it.

The first mention of the idea of the tithe was Abraham, who gave one tenth of his plunder to Melchizedek after defeating the three kings . This is difficult for us to apply practically because we really don't knwo who Melchizedek was. What we do know is that Abraham's tithe was a response to Melchizedek's blessing.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
(Genesis 14:18-20)

The conclusion may be that Abraham gave the tithe to Melchizedek as the representation of the Most High God, since it was God's blessing that was channelled through this priest. In Jewish thought, the tithe is a token representation of the whole: by physically giving one-tenth, he is saying that all of it belongs to God.

The command to tithe shows up in Leviticus 11:27-32, NUmbers 18:24-28, Deuteronomy 12:1-17 and 14:22-28 (and a brief reference in Deuteronomy 26:12). It is significant that tithing is referred to in three of the five books of Moses, as instruction to the people. Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are not three different laws but three perspectives of the same Law; and while not all commands are given in every book, the ones that are can be seen as reference points that place other mitzvot in perspective. In the case of tithing, the value is very practical. It demonstrates a necessity to hold resources for the purpose of effectuating obedience.

The tithe is best described in Deuteronomy 12. Very significantly, it can only be brought to the Temple for our worship. TO replace the Temple with the synagogue, Church or civic organization is a dessecration.

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:
(Deuteronomy 12:11)

Obviously, the Temple is unavailable to us. We can't get there from here. We find in that this is taken into consideration.

If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.
(Deuteronomy 12:21)

This is pretty strange in the way that we have considered the use of the tithe. The papal Church established that tithes were to be brought to the Church for building and supporting the ministry. This was never the purpose of the tithe. The Temple maintenance was covered by the half-shekel (Exodus 30:13).

The tithe was brought as a celebration of Adonai's providence, just as Abraham offered the tithe as a celebration of his deliverance. It is a statement that Adonai takes care of us and we want to rejoice with Him in all that He has blessed us in. When you begin to see what is done with the offerings: the fellowship offering, the peace offering, the thanksgiving offering, these were GOd-ordained BBQs where the families gathered together with the priests and their families and friends and shared at the table together. This is hardly the way we have come to view the "offering plate" as it is passed by. Biblically speaking, it would be more appropriate to begin with mashed potatoes.

In Deuteronomy 14:28, we are commanded that the whole tithe is to given completely to the poor and to the Levite, saving none for yourself. Since our practice does not include Temple worship and there are no identifiable Levites in our community, we suggest designating 30% of your regular tithe to specifically go to meeting the needs of the poor in your community. For many, this is a specific organization. We support the local crisis pregnancy center; but in addition, it is important to have funds available to meet needs as you see them and not not hold too tightly top your purse strings in your daily activity. I'm telling you honestly: my family income is half of what is considered poverty level. We have little to spare at the end of the month after feeding our crew and meeting our normal financial obligations. Yet, identifying a need and meeting it is a powerful expression of faith in worship- that we are provided for by the Most High God and He will not suffer us to hunger. He has never let us down!

In Numbers 18:26-28, one tenth of the tithe is given to the officiating priest for his service in receiving your offering. Here is the principle that the workman is worthy of his hire, yet, it is a far cry from the 75% of Church income that traditionally goes to pastors' salaries. Understanding the Levitical system, the priests and Levites were cared for in their administration of duties; but they also had fields and land to support them and their families. The function of priestly duties was not a full time job and was done on a rotational basis.

At the same time, as Judaism has spread throughout the world, it is recognized that scholarship requires time and time is money. It is worth providing financially to the training of those who have the wisdom and capacity to lead a community in its understanding of and worship. I'm not saying you shouldn't provide for and pay leaders in your congregation. I am saying that this is not tithing. It is paying for and investing in a service that has value to you.