Parshas Behar-Bechukotai -- 24 Iyar 5773 / May 4, 2013 -- Vol. 4 Issue 6
There was once a Rabbi who went to the workplace of one of his local congregants who was a very successful businessman. When he arrived, he asked the secretary to please tell the businessman that he was there and would like to meet with him when he had a moment. About 20 minutes later, the man called the Rabbi into his office.
“Rabbi, I’m so sorry to keep you waiting. Why didn’t you call to let me know you were coming? Then I would have made time so that you wouldn’t have to wait at all. What can I do for you?” “Well,” replied the Rabbi, “I know someone who is in real need of some financial assistance. This person lost his job and is having trouble providing for his family. I was hoping that you could help this person out if possible.”
Without hesitation, the man responded, “Of course I can Rabbi. Just tell me how much the person needs, and who I should make the cheque out to!” “That is really great,” said the Rabbi, “thank you. Please make the cheque out to your brother!”
In this week’s parsha, we learn several important laws with regards to money and helping others. The Torah tells us that if our brother needs help, we must help him. The Torah also states that if we lend our brother money, we cannot charge him interest.
Why does the Torah use the word brother? Why not say that if our fellow man needs assistance, that we should help him?
Often we are inclined to help others when we hear that they are in need. If someone asks us to donate to an important charity, we are willing to do so. At the same time, we often overlook those closest to us. We must realize that charity begins at home. Before giving to others we must first take a good look at our family and see if our own brother needs help.
Not only is it important that we recognize when someone needs help, but we should do so not in order to make interest, but out of our genuine interest for their wellbeing.
“Rabbi, I’m so sorry to keep you waiting. Why didn’t you call to let me know you were coming? Then I would have made time so that you wouldn’t have to wait at all. What can I do for you?” “Well,” replied the Rabbi, “I know someone who is in real need of some financial assistance. This person lost his job and is having trouble providing for his family. I was hoping that you could help this person out if possible.”
Without hesitation, the man responded, “Of course I can Rabbi. Just tell me how much the person needs, and who I should make the cheque out to!” “That is really great,” said the Rabbi, “thank you. Please make the cheque out to your brother!”
In this week’s parsha, we learn several important laws with regards to money and helping others. The Torah tells us that if our brother needs help, we must help him. The Torah also states that if we lend our brother money, we cannot charge him interest.
Why does the Torah use the word brother? Why not say that if our fellow man needs assistance, that we should help him?
Often we are inclined to help others when we hear that they are in need. If someone asks us to donate to an important charity, we are willing to do so. At the same time, we often overlook those closest to us. We must realize that charity begins at home. Before giving to others we must first take a good look at our family and see if our own brother needs help.
Not only is it important that we recognize when someone needs help, but we should do so not in order to make interest, but out of our genuine interest for their wellbeing.