536. You Shall Tithe
August 13, 1977
“You shall tithe.” It was interpreted, “Give tithing so you will grow rich.” But how did our sages explain the commandment in the verse in a way that is Lo Lishma [not for Her sake], meaning that the intention is that he would give charity so as to get? It should be said, as was said, “We will do and we will hear,” meaning that through the act they will achieve the state of “We will hear,” meaning the act affects the intention.
It follows that when a person gives tithing, meaning an act of giving, he should aim “to get rich,” meaning to be rewarded with a desire and yearning to give. That is, as the act is giving and not receiving, so he will be rewarded with the thought and intention being only to give and to receive anything in return.
We should also say, “You shall tithe,” meaning “tithe” on the action, where if he performs an act of giving, “You will get rich,” for then he will be rewarded with his intention also being that of bestowal and not that of reception.
And what happens afterwards? “So you will grow rich,” since it is impossible to receive from the Creator the delight and pleasure, called “wealth,” before one has equivalence of form. At that time, when he is rewarded with his aim being to bestow, as well, he will be rewarded with the wealth called “so you will grow rich.”