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B"H
Friday, Iyar 26, 5772 (41st day of the Omer)/ May 18, 2012
This Shabbat, in the Diaspora, we read the final two Parshiot of the book of Vayikra (Leviticus); Behar and Bechukotei. In Israel only Parashat Bechukotei is read. With this reading we conclude the Book of Leviticus.
One of the mitzvot in Parashat Behar is to help another person when they are in need. The Torah says, "And if your brother becomes poor and his means fail him; then you shall strengthen him ("Vhechezakta bo").. You shall not take interest from him, so that your brother may live with you."
One of the greatest mitzvot is giving Tzedakah (charity), helping another Jew, performing acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim) and being generous - helping those who are in need.
We tend to think that the one who gives the charity is the one who helps and the needy person, who receives, is the one who was helped. Our sages tell us that it is not necessarily so. True, the one who receives is being helped, but at the same time the one who gives receives much more in return. While the poor man is helped physically, the one who performed the act of charity is blessed in this world and also rewarded for the mitzvah in the World-to-Come.
This concept is hinted in the above mentioned verse of the Parasha, "And if your brother becomes poor and his means fail him; then you shall strengthen him." If the Torah wanted to tell us that the rich person should strengthen the poor one, it should have written "Vhechezakta oto." As it is written, "Vhechezakta bo," it can be translated as, "You shall be strengthened through him."
The Torah is telling the one who gives, that by helping the needy, “You will be strengthened through them.”
Rabbi David Segal, author of the Taz, was one of the great rabbis of the 17th century. In addition to his greatness in Torah he was also famous for his generosity, being always ready to help others in need.
Once a poor man came to him and asked for a loan for an immediate need. At the time, Rabbi David didn't have the money, so he gave him his silver Kiddush cup to pawn for that amount.
A few days later the rabbi sent a messenger with the money to redeem the cup. He returned without the silver cup, saying that the person pawned it for twice as much as he originally asked from the rabbi.
Instead of being upset, Rabbi David was very pleased. He said, "Thank G-d that I didn't have the money at the time. For obviously the man needed a bigger loan than what he asked, but must have felt uncomfortable to ask for that amount. Now I'm happy that he pawned my cup and received the amount that he really needed."
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montreal candle lighting time: 8:05 / Shabbat ends: 9:18
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In loving memory of Mr. Joel Cola - Chaim Yoel Shmuel ben Asher Lemel HaKohen z"l.
May his soul rest in peace in Gan Eden. May his memory be a blessing.
From his children and grandchildren
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