A number of Rabbonim set sail off Tel Aviv just before Pesach in a boat that carried boxes containing huge quantities of “Pruta Chamura coins” (coins that had been used for tithing purposes), in order to dump them into the sea. A large group of people watched them as they left and waited until they returned.

The Mitzvah of Biur Maasros, or closing the books on the Maasar accounts of the previous three years, is one that takes place twice each seven years, during the fourth and seventh years of each Shmitta cycle – and this was the culmination of this year’s effort. (Shmitta produce does not generally require tithing.)

The Rabbonim who were on the boat included Rav Mordechai Gross Shlita, Av Bais Din of Chanichei HaYeshivos; Rav Eliezer HaLevi Dunner Shlita, Rav of Bnei Brak’s Adass Yisroel Shul and a son of the late Rav Yosef Dunner ZATZAL.

After the ship left shore, those on board read out loud the Pesukim in Parshas Ki Sovo that relate to Vidui Maasros, and also read out an extract from Chazal’s teachings regarding the importance and implications of this Mitzvah.

When they were a few kilometers out to sea, they emptied the boxes they had with them into the sea and the coins that were infused with the sanctity of Maasar Sheni and of the sanctity of Fruits of the fourth year since a tree was planted. These coins had been turned in by Kashrus organizations and religious Jews from all over Eretz Yisroel.

(Source: Jewish Tribune)