YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Mishpatim
In our Sedra there is a Mitzva that seems to contain a misprint. The Torah tells us (23:5) that if we come upon a person struggling with his burden - even someone we regard as an enemy - we must assist him in carrying his load. The command of "Azov ta’azov imo" is translated as, "You shall surely help him."
But the word "azov" would seem to mean just the opposite: to leave him alone! Just look at what Adam is told when Woman is first created (BR 2:24): "So a man shall leave his father & mother & cling to his wife;" the word "leave" is "ya’azav," from the very same root as azov! So why do we translate it here as "to help?"
At first glance, it might indeed appear that the Torah meant to write the word not with a vav, but with a raysh; azor ta’azor - you shall surely help. Since a vav & a raysh are very, very similar in appearance, we might conclude that the letters must have somehow gotten mixed up!
But consider: the highest form of helping someone is to get them to the point where we can leave them alone because they are now independent & no longer in need of our assistance. The true goal of helping another person is ultimately to leave them to their own efforts; thus restoring their self-respect, along with the ability to financially survive. That is why the highest form of Tzedaka is helping an indigent person to find gainful employment. Azov & azor - to leave alone, and to help - quite neatly coalesce.
The very example we brought of a young man marrying & "leaving the nest" is precisely about independence. We help a couple most when we let them make their own way & create their own unique home & space. Their initial independence will contribute mightily to a long and successful marriage.
The implications of this message are many. It reminds us that our first responsibility towards those in need is to enable them to stand on their own two financial feet. Able-bodied men, the Torah is saying, should be working, not begging. Like drugs or crime, living off others when you can support yourself is a very bad habit that impacts negatively on society as well as on one’s own sense of self.
Moreover, we as a nation want just one thing - to be left alone! If the world really wants to help us, they will allow us to conduct our own affairs, rather than continually telling us what to do. While we value others’ friendship, we have B"H reached a point in our national history when we can chart our own course & solve our own problems. IYH!
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
