Meowzltov
Freylekher Yid
- Aug 3, 2014
- 18,670
- 4,492
- 64
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Female
- Faith
- Judaism
- Marital Status
- Celibate
- Politics
- US-Others
Thanks! Excellent Post. I often cite Matthew 23:23, because Jesus is essentially saying, first observe the Torah, then do the Oral Torah as well! But you have included this wonderful quote from the Talmud -- something I can never aspire to do.In Matthew 23:23 Jesus endorsed the rabbinic tradition of tithing herbs, but to subordinate it to the weightier commandments.
From the Talmud, Rosh Ha Shanah 1a:
"And for herbs." To this a Boraitha adds "tithes and vows." Let us see. What does he mean by "herbs"? The tithe of herbs. But are not these included with other "tithes"? (Nay, for the tithe of herbs) is a rabbinical institution, while the others are biblical. If so, should he not teach the biblical commandment first? (This is no question), because it was pleasing to him (to have discovered that, although the tithe of herbs is only a rabbinical institution, yet it should have a special New Year to prevent the confusion of tithes from year to year) he, therefore, gives it precedence. And the Tana of our Mishna teaches us the rabbinical institution (viz., the New Year for herbs), leaving us to infer that if that must be observed, so much the more must the biblical law be followed.
The tithing of herbs is from the Rabbins. - Mishnah, Maaseroth 1:1
Shalom.
Upvote
0