Maaser to Tzedokah

B”H

28 Shevat, 5713
Brooklyn
[February 13, 1953]

Greeting and blessing!

I was pleased to receive regards from you through Rabbi B.Z. Shemtov. I was especially pleased to hear from him that your business is doing well, thank G-d. May the Almighty help you that the business should progress from good to better.

In my opinion, however, you should immediately make a resolution, bli neder, to increase your charitable commitments to a bit more than 10% and not wait until you see an additional increase in your business. Rather, you should immediately fulfill the Talmudic dictum, “aser bishvil shetisasher,” which implies that first one gives maaser [tithe] (and one is not particular about the exact sum and gives a bit more) and we can rely on G-d’s faithfulness to fulfill His promise of ‘tisasher.’ Richness, which the Torah refers to, is richness that is used for healthy, Jewish and happy things. May G-d bless you.

With blessing for success,

M. Schneerson