From The Rabbi’s Study…May 17, 2024/9 Iyar 5784/ Omer 24 and 25
Torah portion this Shabbat continues with laws regulating the lives of the priests, donations and offerings that are acceptable for the sanctuary, qualifications for sacrificial animals, the major festivals, the lamps and the show-bread of the tabernacle, and laws pertaining with profanity, murder, and the maiming of others.
This drash will be the equality before the law, which comes from Leviticus 24:22 that states that “you shall have one manner of law for the stranger and for the homeborn, for I am the Lord your G-d.” The Torah points out that Jewish law does not allow for a double standard. Every individual whether a citizen or stranger is equal before the law. This is one of the democratic thoughts found in the Torah.
Another concept and value is from Leviticus 23:22 which states, “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger. I am the Eternal your G-d.” The Talmud states that taking care of the poor is in the eyes of G-d equal to building the Holy Temple and offering sacrifices (including those of the Festivals). Bringing offerings to G-d at the Temple on Shavuot, example is really to purify one’s heart, and make one worthy of bringing gifts to G-d.
Today, one may see the different ways citizens and strangers are treated under the laws of the countries where they dwell. Whether living in America where the laws are the same in most cases for citizens and strangers, as compared to those living under countries that are Communist or have Dictator Regimes. The term “stranger” has taken on different meanings than during ancient times. The stranger in ancient times in many eras were the Jewish people.
Today, many countries are having challenges with the increase of strangers from various countries, while some countries have closed their borders to stop the flow of strangers trying to enter. One may have feelings for those fleeing from a war torn country or from a country that treats their people cruelly. As Jews we just commemorated the Holocaust, Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikron to name a few moments when the Jewish people had just a few countries to find safety. Yet, the Jewish people are reminded about the fairness and justice of following the laws and the Commandments. The Jewish people have the guidelines from the Torah on living an ethical and moral life in all that one does and becoming a dugmah/role model for others to follow.
Today, the Jewish people are blessed to have a Homeland, The State of Israel, and each of us should stand strong with our brethren in Israel. We continue to pray for the release and safe return of all hostages after 6 months being held by the Hamas Terrorists! We continue to pray for all the IDF to be successful in all their endeavors. We pray for the families of Israel and that the war comes to an end speedily.
Shabbat Shalom v’Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
