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The Sages tell us that one who gives ma’aser will be rewarded with wealth. The homiletical basis is the verse, “You shall set aside every year a tenth part (aser te’aser) of all the yield” (Deuteronomy 14:22). Based on the repetition in the Hebrew, they declare: “Give one tenth (aser) so that you may become wealthy (titasher).” As a rule, people may not perform a mitzva intending to test God, to see if He will help them as a reward for doing the mitzva. However, when it comes to charity, this is permissible. As it says, “Bring the full tithe . . . and thus put Me to the test – said the Lord of Hosts. I will surely open the floodgates of the sky for you and pour down blessings on you” (Malachi 3:10). This still does not mean that those who tithe will become wealthy in a miraculous fashion, but rather that God will bless the fruits of their labor. In the merit of their tithing, they will be successful at work, and will make wise business decisions. Still, if they are lazy and negligent, they will not become wealthy.
It should be noted that some rabbis tend to be lenient about tithing and exempt most people from the obligation, either because of their financial situation or because these rabbis allow tuition money to count as ma’aser. Nevertheless, the principle is what I have written above. Additionally, experience shows that people who follow it are indeed blessed with success and wealth.
