Separation of Tithes and Offerings
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Question
We have an Arab client in our office (among other things, he owns date and grape plantations) who occasionally brings gifts as a token of appreciation for handling his cases. (This Arab once told us that he received a menorah and Shabbat candlesticks from his mother. He didn't know what they were, but he sent us a picture, and we knew what they were). This time, he brought a huge tray of dried dates (the box says they are from Jericho, Palestine). And here are the questions: Even if we assume he is Jewish (which is a big doubt, as it's impossible to know), do we need to tithe? The point is, I also doubt whether the goods are his or bought from elsewhere (he tends to bring us both his own things and purchased items). And if we need to tithe, should it be 1% or 10%? And since these are dried dates, is it also 10% for maaser ani? And should we tithe with a blessing? If there is maaser sheni/ani, what do I do with this tithe? Thank you in advance!
Answer
Hello
If it comes from Jericho, and he doesn't have plantations there, it is exempt from tithes.
If he has plantations there, you should separate tithes out of doubt without a blessing.