I follow the tradition I received from my father, that if I buy fruits with the certification of a rabbinical authority that is not considered “top-tier,” then I do not trust that they have separated the tithes according to the law, but I separate them myself, and then there is no problem.
[Unlike processed foods and similar items, where it is necessary to consider their kosher status and it is not possible to resolve doubts through separation and such methods.] I generally avoid buying these products.
Well, I wanted to ask, should I recite the blessing over the separation of tithes and terumot or not?
It is explicitly stated in the Rambam, Hilchot Ma’aser (Laws of the Tithe, Chapter 9, Halacha 4) that when separating Terumat Ma’aser and Ma’aser Sheni from Demai, one does not recite a blessing over it, because it is a doubt. And Demai are fruits acquired from ‘am ha’aretz’, about which the sages decreed that they are not reliable regarding tithes, and therefore, the buyer is obligated to separate them. And from now on, if in the case of Demai, where our sages required the separation of the tithe, even so, the blessing is not recited, how much more so in the case in question, where you adopt a good practice of separating the tithe from anything that is under the supervision of a Rabinate that is not considered top-tier, which even if it is adequate, the blessing is not recited over it.
Colloquially, I would add that it is possible that you are fulfilling the commandment to honor your parents in every act of separation, but as is well known, this commandment is also not blessed.
With the blessing that you continue to uphold the good customs of your father’s house and fulfill the commandments with joy.
Rabbi Elyahu Bracha
PLEASE NOTE*
Attention: You should not learn from one case to another, each case must be analyzed individually. Generally speaking, it's always best to have contact with a Rabbi in person, not just virtual contact. Note that where there is a local Rabbi("Mara Deatra"), one should ask him. The answers are under the responsibility of the rabbi who responded, and not under the responsibility of the website and/or the Head of the Institution.
Last Articles
A Guide for Converting to Judaism
Introduction Many people wish to join the Jewish people, but few succeed in completing the conversion process. Not all those
The prayer for the return of Hostages / Names for Prayer
The following is a formulated prayer from the famed Rabbi Cloanimus Kalimish Shapiro (Rebbe of Piacenza), who was killed on
The laws of Maaser Kesafim (the Monetary Tithe)
Summary of the Tithing laws on Financial Income (Ma’asrot, Tzedakah, etc.) How much should a person donate of their profits
The laws and customs of Passover – according to the customs of Syrian Jewry (Aram Soba)
The laws and customs of Passover – according to the customs of Syrian Jewry (Aram Soba), and in particular
A video is presented to you regarding the segulah of the stone of the righteous, for those who wish to
Kever Rachel Imenu – Spiritual Tip (Segulah)
The Highness of Kever Rachel – in the day of the Hilula, Cheshvan 11th (From the book Shoshani Tzion –
You may interested
