A man redeems second-tithe produce worth 40 zuz. How much must he pay in total?
The Torah requires adding 'a fifth of the new total,' meaning one pays five for every four. So produce worth 40 requires payment of 50 (a fifth of 50 = 10, making the original 40 plus the added 10).
Question 2
Which of the following people is NOT required to add a fifth when redeeming second-tithe produce?
The verse states 'If a man will redeem from his tithes,' explicitly excluding a woman from the obligation to add a fifth.
Question 3
A man wants to redeem his second-tithe produce without paying the added fifth. Which strategy is halachically valid?
An adult daughter has independent financial capacity, so she may redeem the produce on her own behalf, exempting the owner from the fifth. Minor children and Canaanite servants lack independent financial standing and cannot be used for Biblical obligations.
Question 4
A man redeemed his second-tithe produce and paid the principal but not yet the added fifth. What is the rule regarding eating the produce?
Although the transfer of holiness from produce to money has already taken effect upon payment of the principal, the Sages decreed that he may not eat the produce until the fifth is paid — even on Shabbat — lest he become negligent and never pay.
Question 5
A person has second-tithe silver coins and wishes to exchange them for gold dinarim before traveling to Jerusalem. What is the law?
Exchanging silver second-tithe coins for gold dinarim is permitted to lighten the burden of travel to Jerusalem. Since this is an exchange rather than a redemption of produce, no fifth is required — even if the owner himself makes the exchange.