My notes say that Rashi says that the preferred use of maaser sheni money is the purchase of shelamim offerings. Are you supposed to take the money to Jerusalem and buy food to eat there?
Barry Epstein, Dallas, USA
Yes, all Ma'aser Sheni money must be used for food which must be eaten in Jerusalem. Shelamim as well must be eaten in Jerusalem.
D. Zupnik
But why does Rashi specify shlelamim as the preferred way to spend the money?
Rav Ovadya mi'Bartenura states in his commentary on Ma'aser Sheni (1:3) that the "main Mitzvah to be done with money of Maser Sheni is to bring a Shelamim, as is learned from a Gezeirah Shaveh of the words "Sham" and "Sham" from Har Eival." This is the Gezeirah Shaveh referred to in our Gemara (Menachos 82a). The Mishnah Rishonah in Ma'aser Sheni (ibid.) discusses this topic at length, explaining that everyone holds that it is best to use money of Ma'aser Sheni for a Shelamim, with the question being whether or not this is a Mitzvah mid'Oraisa (as he understands Rav Ovadya above) or mid'Rabanan (how he understands Rashi DH "u'Shelamim").
All the best,
Yaakov Montrose