[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|45.6875px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|22.8438px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title H1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”25px|||” custom_padding=”25px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.kabbalah.info\/bb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/header_big.jpg” alt=”Maaser Kabbalah Bnei Baruch” title_text=”Maaser Kabbalah Bnei Baruch” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Title Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Introductory Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ max_width=”620px” custom_margin=”10px||0px|” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Maaser<\/i> refers to a level of attainment that needs to be achieved during the preparation period prior to entering spirituality. Entering spirituality depends on the development of the desire to attain the qualities of the Creator\u2014the ability to love\u2014to such a degree that it becomes more important than all other desires. How can we reach this level of importance? On our own, it is impossible, but our friends who share this same goal each possess a small amount of this importance as well. The more we connect with those friends so that we each feel the overall importance as our own, the closer I come to the goal. In addition, we need to help discover new friends whose points in the heart are just beginning to light up, because we can reach our spiritual goal through our combined level of importance.<\/p>\n
So where does payment of\u00a0Maaser<\/i> (a monthly financial contribution of 10% of income) fit into the picture? Gradually, the importance reaches a level where we are willing to trade whatever we can to obtain the \u201ccure\u201d for this spiritual illness called \u201cegoism.\u201d The cure lies in those points in the heart in the world that are still asleep. Our mutual effort to develop those points through passive means is called “dissemination.” We support this effort in two ways: with our time and with our contribution of what is given to us by the Creator (our financial contribution\u2014Maaser<\/i>).<\/p>\n
No one is ever forced to pay\u00a0Maaser<\/i>. The online classes, the website, the materials, everything that is available at no charge today will continue to be available whether we pay Maaser<\/i> or not. However, when we reach this level of importance (or have the desire to reach it and thus try to act as if I already feel it), we begin to perceive the payment of Maaser<\/i> as a vital necessity for our spiritual life rather than a burden. The will to receive will never agree to it, however, and finds many perfectly valid reasons to object. This is where we have an opportunity for spiritual work, as we rise above what the will to receive tells us and choose to pursue our spiritual goal instead.<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Table of Contents” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”18″ text_line_height=”1.5em” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”30px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=H27FTRKE5BH92″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Give Maaser” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” admin_label=”Button” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|22.8438px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Back to Top” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”30px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Back to Top \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”FAQ title” module_id=”whatis” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is Maaser and what is its purpose?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Maaser<\/em> is the payment of a tenth of one\u2019s total income, which a person sets aside in order to correct oneself and the entire world.<\/p>\n Paying Maaser<\/em> is a spiritual act, unrelated to the payment of taxes or other financial obligations.\u00a0 Maaser<\/em> is paid against the part of the soul that we are unable to correct. By our own efforts, we are able to correct what is called “the first nine,\u201d and the tenth part, called Malchut, we are unable to correct. We therefore contribute this to the correction of the world through the payment of Maaser<\/em>. This payment is of the utmost importance \u2013 one who does not pay Maaser<\/em> is detached from spiritual correction. Therefore, throughout the generations, Kabbalists would set aside Maaser<\/em>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How are Maaser funds used and which activities are funded by Maaser? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Maaser<\/em> funds are directed only towards the correction of the world \u2013 the dissemination of the wisdom of Kabbalah to humanity. Maaser<\/em> funds are used ONLY for this purpose, and not to fund any type of social activities.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”What is the spiritual root of Maaser?” module_id=”root” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is the spiritual root of Maaser?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”on”]<\/p>\n The soul of Adam HaRishon<\/em> is made up of ten\u00a0Sefirot<\/em>. During the breaking of the vessels, this soul broke into tiny pieces that fell into our world. My individual Kli<\/em> (vessel) is partial, meaning that the Masach <\/em>(screen)\u00a0covers only a portion of my desires in which I am able to receive for the sake of bestowal. These are the first nine Sefirot<\/em> that we can correct through our own efforts. The desires of the tenth part, the Sefira Malchut<\/em>, cannot be corrected directly. Instead, I receive the light for that part and transfer the desire to receive pleasure along with the received Light to an outside Kli<\/em>. Thereby I prepare it for correction, which will be done by the light at Gmar Tikkun <\/em>(Final Correction).<\/p>\n Maaser represents <\/em>the tenth part of\u00a0Malchut<\/em> that cannot be corrected. Instead, this part is set aside and used for the correction of the world.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What does this spiritual root mean to me?” open=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our goal is to attain the qualities of the Creator – pure bestowal. For this purpose, we are placed in this world where we see some of our desires internally (\u201cme\u201d) and others as external (everything else around me). A portion of our correction is in our control through our efforts to draw the Light during the study, group activities and dissemination. There is another portion, however, that is not in our power to correct and can only be corrected through the general society. Maaser<\/em> is dedicated to this latter portion. I seemingly transfer it for external usage, but then it becomes my internality and returns to me with the desires I did not previously consider my own. These desires will be corrected by the Light at the end of correction.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”Who pays Maaser” module_id=”who” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Who pays Maaser?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Maaser<\/em> is paid by students of Kabbalah who understand that paying Maaser<\/em> is a necessary act for correction. This correction is not only for oneself, but also for the correction of the world.<\/p>\n Everyone who receives financial income from any source has a spiritual obligation to pay Maaser<\/em>, but no one is ever forced to do so.\u00a0 A person who deepens their identification with the goal and method of Kabbalah, however, begins to feel a responsibility (or has the desire to feel it) not just for their own correction, but for the correction of the whole of humanity. Such people, who take the study seriously, begin to perceive the payment of Maaser as <\/em>vital for spiritual life.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”At what age does one begin to pay Maaser?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n It is customary to pay Maaser<\/em> at the age of 18 (the age of majority) and when earning some income of their own.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Does a woman have to pay Maaser?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n A woman who studies Kabbalah also has a spiritual obligation to pay Maaser<\/i>, and should set aside a tenth of her personal income. Shared income can be used to pay Maaser <\/i>provided that the family agrees to this arrangement. The only case a woman is exempted from this spiritual obligation is when paying Maaser <\/i>may cause a major disruption in the family.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”How do you calculate Maaser? ” module_id=”calculate” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How do you calculate how much Maaser to pay?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Maaser<\/em> is 10% of one\u2019s income, paid each month. Income, including income from any and all sources, is totaled and 10% of that is for Maaser<\/em>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Is payment of Maaser based on gross or net income?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n It is customary to pay Maaser<\/em> on gross income; however, within Bnei Baruch it is acceptable and common for Maaser<\/em> to be paid on net income, meaning net of federal and state income tax.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Does it matter if I pay the exact amount or can I round off the number?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]It is best not to round off the amount of Maaser,<\/em> but to pay exactly 10%.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What counts as income when calculating Maaser?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]Any income received or earned is used in the calculation. This includes: salaries, paychecks, alimony, monetary gifts, financial prizes, unemployment benefits, financial aid, social security payments, pensions, etc. [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Should I pay Maaser on inheritance?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]Any financial inheritance is subject to Maaser. An inherited object, in most cases does not count as income. [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Should I pay Maaser on disability pension?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]There is no difference in the requirement based on the source of income. People with disabilities also pay Maaser.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”If I find money on the street, should I pay Maaser from it?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]Every effort should be made to return the money to its owner. If it cannot be returned, then it is subject to Maaser.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Who checks the amount of my Maaser?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]No one checks the amount of Maaser payments against your income because it is a spiritual matter. Everyone is responsible for calculating and paying his or her own Maaser.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can a person give Maaser of more than 10%? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]It is possible to give more than 10%: 10% is Maaser; any amount over the 10% is no longer called Maaser but a donation.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How do business owners calculate Maaser?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]The business\u2019 net revenue (business revenue less the business expenses) should be the basis for calculating Maaser.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”If income is only sufficient to meet true necessities (rent, food, medicine, etc.), must 10% of the income be paid for Maaser?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]The spiritual law is precise: Any person who receives an income must pay Maaser. [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can I deduct individual or group dissemination expenses from my Maaser transfer?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]No. Maaser must be transferred in full. Bnei Baruch sanctioned dissemination expenses are paid for or reimbursed by the Bnei Baruch organization from the collective Maaser. [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”What is the benefit of paying Maaser?” module_id=”benefit” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Is there any personal gain from giving Maaser?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”on”]<\/p>\n The payment of Maaser<\/em> provides spiritual gain, which is a spiritual correction – the correction of the soul. Actually, the correction does not come from the payment of money, but by your rejection of using it for your own benefit. This correction is against the \u201cstill\u201d part of the desire.<\/p>\n The correction of the soul is to attain the state of \u201clove thy friend as thyself,\u201d to become connected to others, and through them, build a system of connection to the Creator, which is the bestowing and loving force of Nature. We are used to paying in order to receive, but here the payment is in order to give, to bestow. Maaser<\/em> is not just a ‘tenth part,’ but rather, by the payment of Maaser<\/em>, a person also commits that he will make the other 90% effort required to correct his soul, since one can only make that effort on his own. But against the tenth part, Malchut<\/em>, which he cannot correct by himself, he gives of what he has earned in this world.<\/p>\n Through the payment of Maaser<\/em>, a person receives spiritual support in order to do the work with the other nine Sefirot<\/em> of his soul. This is also a way to tell whether you are simply satisfying your curiosity or seriously desiring to participate in your private correction and the general correction of the world.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Is Maaser money that does not belong to a person?” open=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Yes. Suppose someone gives you $90, but then hands you an additional $10 for your friend. In truth, that $10 is not your money. You may choose to keep it because no one will ever know, but you know it is not yours. <\/p>\n In our corporeal world, when we receive payment for our work, we feel that we have earned it \u2013 it is ours. This comes from the lack of sensation of what actually occurred. In truth, the whole thing was a gift from Above \u2013 \u201cthere is none else besides Him.\u201d We are given 90% for our own needs, but 10% belongs to someone else. [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can a person who does not pay Maaser advance spiritually?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]A person who belongs to the spiritual nation of Israel can advance without paying Maaser, but only during the initial preparatory stage of development. This is because the role of Israel is to bring the correction to the rest of the nations. All of the pieces of the common soul must be reconnected. As one discovers that these pieces are outside of him and that one\u2019s spiritual advancement depends on reuniting them, the necessity to pay Maaser becomes clear. [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Why is it so hard for a person to pay Maaser?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]The will to receive acts according to \u201cmaximum reception, minimum giving,\u201d while the soul functions to the contrary: \u201cmaximum giving, minimum receiving.\u201d Hence the reason for the internal war. One never feels a need to pay Maaser. Doing so goes directly against our will to receive and our egoistic desires. The necessity to pay Maaser only occurs when one begins to feel a responsibility for the correction of the world. It is similar to the responsibility one feels for their children. We will spend great amounts of money for toys, food, medical bills and other expenses without a thought, because that is what is best for our children. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Where to Pay Maaser?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Maaser<\/em>\u00a0payments can be made directly to\u00a0Bnei Baruch Association, RA in Israel<\/strong> here<\/a>.<\/p>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
What is Maaser<\/em> and how is it used?<\/font><\/h4>\n
What is the spiritual root of Maaser<\/i>?<\/span><\/font><\/h4>\n
Who pays Maaser<\/i>?<\/span><\/font><\/h4>\n
How do you calculate Maaser<\/em>?<\/font><\/h4>\n
What is the benefit of paying Maaser?<\/font><\/h4>\n
\nAs long as we do not feel this same type of responsibility to the world, Maaser will be viewed as a burden. Once we begin to feel it in the smallest degree, obstacles will appear: all kinds of reasons why I should not pay Maaser. The spiritual goal is no longer imaginary, but quite tangible. This is where we have the opportunity for spiritual work, where the will to receive sees no benefit in the act. [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”How do you pay Maaser? ” module_id=”how” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHow do you pay Maaser<\/em>?<\/font><\/h4>\n