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The SA/TO & Rel/Ed
Connection
Parshat Behar:
Throughout Parsha Behar we are told of our obligations to come to the assistance of people in financial
need. On example is found in Leviticus 25:35. "If your kinsman becomes poor and his means fail with
you, then you shall support him, even if he is a stranger, let him live by your side."
Helping someone to become your equal and regain their self-sufficiency ("live by your side,") is the
most sought after response to poverty. Not only does this restore a person's capacity to physically
sustain himself, but it also helps to restore his human dignity, which may have been diminished by the
humiliations of poverty.
Preserving and enhancing human dignity, granted to us by virtue of our being created B'tzelem Elokim
(in the image of HaShem), is a major theme of Jewish life, not only in connection with poverty. This story
concerning Hillel illustrates the point:
A pious person treats himself with kindness (Proverbs 11:17). That verse refers to a person like
Hillel the Elder. One day, after taking leave of his students, he proceeded to walk along with them. The
students asked him, "Where are you going, Master?" He answered, "I am going to perform a mitzvah." "What
mitzvah is that?" "To bathe in the bathhouse." "Is that a mitzvah?!"
"It is indeed," answered Hillel. "The statues of Kings that are set up in plazas and arenas are
scrubbed and scoured by an official specially appointed to care for them, who receives a salary for this
work. Even more, by virtue of their jobs, those officials are esteemed as being among the community's
notables. How much more so am I required to scrub and scour myself, who have been created in God's image
and likeness, as it is written, In the Image of God, God made human beings" (Genesis 9:6)! [Vayikra Rabbah
34:3]
USY- have you ever met a man whom was impoverished? Did you talk to him? When I did I learned an
interesting lesson. He did not want my money - only a smile. While yes it is physically pejorative, living
in a state of poverty also takes an effect on the mind. Here there was a man who of no fault was homeless,
but because of this he was left friendless and alone. He did not care if I bought him lunch, but more that
I talked to him and for at least one day made him feel like he had a friend. My new friend Pierre, was not
just living under the poverty line but he was treated as if he were scum on our shoes. It is important
that we as teens realize this and try to make a difference. I know that if I had the chance to see Pierre
all the time that he would be one of the best friends I would have ever had. Do not be hesitant to
befriend someone because in the eyes of HaShem we are all equals.
Questions:
- In your opinion, what is more severe, the physical or the psychological and emotional challenges of
poverty?
- What resources can the community provide to deal with the latter at the same time that we attempt
to address the former?
B'ahava,
Justin Turnofsky,
2005 SA/TO Int'l General Board
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