The Gemara teaches that when we give tzedakah and support Torah learning, Hashem pays us back separately from our regular parnassah that was already decreed on Rosh Hashanah. How exactly does this work, and what is the difference between giving ma'aser versus giving chomesh?

Rosh Hashanah fixes your annual parnassah, but money spent on mitzvot, tzedakah, Shabbat, and Chagim is *additional* and repaid by G-d, not deducted. This underscores emunah. Ma'aser (10% of gross income) is an obligation for Torah support, guaranteeing financial protection (Gaon of Vilna). Chomesh (20%) promises material wealth in this life; G-d explicitly permits testing Him in this area. Both must be given immediately from income. Ma'aser is for Torah; tzedakah is general charity. While the parnassah *amount* is set, your daily support of Torah determines if it arrives easily, with blessing, or with difficulty.