Deut. 21:10 - 25:19
Précis: The parsha begins with the phrase “when you go forth” (ki tetze) to battle. This parasha contains 72 mitzvot (commandments), dealing with the morals and values to be implanted in the Israelites’ society. They cover a wide variety of topics, from family life, human kindness, respect for property and animals, the safety of others, sexual relationships, escaped slaves, financial loans, keeping promises, and blotting out the name of one of Israel’s greatest enemies. This assortment of commands includes requirements that there be sex-distinct clothing; that mother birds not be separated from their eggs; that roof-tops have parapets; that seeds not be mixed in a field, and that “tzitzit” (fringes) be worn on garments.
According to Etz Hayim, the parasha is underscores “the irreducible dignity and worth of the human being.” The verses cited here deal with hashavat aveidim, returning lost objects, and end with the phrase “lo tukhal l'hitaleim,” (“You must not remain indifferent.”) It is this final phrase which merits some additional discussion.
While the phrase may be viewed as part of the thrust of the opening lines (meaning, you should not remain indifferent to lost objects), it is also an important reminder that our tradition does not accept the common conception that somebody else’s troubles are their own, and one needs not get involved in the plight of others. Our tradition, moreover, supports the idea that we have an affirmative obligation to help those individuals in trouble, to aid our troubled communities, and to aid our troubled societies as a whole.
While we may disagree (as Jews, of course are wont to do) about the means to improve our cultures and societies, we must agree that we cannot remain indifferent. Standing by without action is not a Jewish option.
