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Ma’aser sheni – “the second tithe” – is separated after the first tithes have been set aside for the kohen and the levi. This produce is taken by the owner and eaten in Jerusalem. In the event that there is too much for him to bring, he can redeem the fruit and purchase food in Jerusalem that he will eat there.
Does the requirement to set aside ma’aser sheni remain even when the Temple is no longer standing?
While the Gemara first attempts to answer this question by drawing a comparison to the laws of bekhor – a first born animal that is brought to the Temple – ultimately the Gemara suggests that it is dependent on the question whether kedusha rishona kidshah le-sha’atah ve-kidshah le-atid la-vo – does the holiness of the Temple remain in place even after its destruction. If there is no longer any holiness, then what would the purpose be to set aside ma’aser sheni?
We explore the notion of sacrifices in the future as well as the significance of korbanot after the destruction.