Rambam - Sefer HaMitzvos: Negative Mitzvot 141, 142, 143: Negative Mitzvot 141, 142, 143

Introduction to Negative Mitzvot 141-144:

Eating "Ma'aser Sheini" in Jerusalem

Positive Mitzvah 128 commands us to separate a second tithe in addition to the tithe given to the Levites.

The Mitzvah of "Ma'aser," tithe, expresses appreciation.

We give a tenth of our harvest to the Levites, those dedicated people who serve the Beit HaMikdash.

In certain years (See Negative Mitzvah 154), we must set aside a second tithe, "Ma'aser Sheini."

It is brought to Jerusalem and we express our thanks to G-d by enjoying the fruits of our toil, in His holy city.

As people gather from all over, they share their feeling of thanks to HaShem for making things grow and blessing their hard work.

There, near the Beit HaMikdash where Hashem's presence is felt most, they would listen to each others' words of praise and join together in thanking HaShem.

The following Mitzvot deal with the Ma'aser Sheini.

Negative Mitzvah 141: We are forbidden to eat grain set aside for Ma'aser Sheini outside of Jerusalem
Deuteronomy 12:17 "You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your corn"

This Negative Mitzvah prohibits us from eating portions of grain which we have set aside as Ma'aser Sheini outside of Jerusalem.

Negative Mitzvah 142: We are forbidden to drink wine set aside for Ma'aser Sheini outside of Jerusalem
Deuteronomy 12:17 You may not eat within your gates the tithes...of your wine"

This Negative Mitzvah prohibits us from drinking wine (or its by- products) which we have set aside as Ma'aser Sheini outside of Jerusalem. hrsp:

Negative Mitzvah 143: We are forbidden to use oil set aside for Ma'aser Sheini outside of Jerusalem
Deuteronomy 12:17 You may not eat within your gates the tithes...of your oil"

This Negative Mitzvah prohibits us from drinking oil (or its by-products) which we have set aside as Ma'aser Sheini outside of Jerusalem.

This world operates on chutzpah. It has the chutzpah to declare itself a world, to assert that it is autonomous from its Creator, to deny any relationship to the very force that is continually bringing it into being every moment. We will fight chutzpah with chutzpah.

From: Bringing Heaven Down to Earth by Tzvi Freeman - tzvif@aol.com