Emor
Leviticus 21:1 - 24:23
Précis: This parasha is divided into four sections. First, it reviews procedures for the Priests to use to remain ritually pure. Second, it outlines the festival and holiday calendar. Third, it explains the use of the oil and bread on display on the altar. Finally, there is a brief narrative about a blasphemer who is condemned to death.
Lev. 23:22 “And when you reap the harvest of your land, you will not wholly reap the corner of the field, and you will not gather the gleaning of your harvest; you will leave them for the poor, and for the stranger: I am Adonai your God.”
God tells the Jewish people that they need to a leave a corner of their fields unharvested to allow the poor to come and take from it. God doesn't require farmers to give to the poor, but merely to leave some of their produce available. This small difference is quite significant.
When someone needs the help of another, it can be embarrassing. It takes courage to ask someone else for help, even though at some point in time, we all need the help of others. Because the farmer is instructed to leave the corners available to the needy, those who are in need have the ability to simply take without embarrassment.
Since few of us are farmers any longer, how should we apply this principle? According to Maimonides, giving anonymously is one of the highest forms of tzedakah. It is even more praiseworthy when the anonymous donor is not even aware of the donee’s identity; such actions constitute true altruism, since one gives without expectation of any benefit in return (other than the satisfaction of doing the right thing).
This is also a reminder that if one is blessed by God with material possessions, one has the responsibility to share those blessings with those in need.
No comments:
Post a Comment