Every week I send out a text message about the Torah reading. If you want to be added to the list please contact me today!!!
Parashat Kedoshim (you shall be a holy nation)
This Torah portion that deals with many rules includes the
famous phrase, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (By the way, that
verse doesn't end with the word "yourself"; after yourself, there are
the words "I am Hashem.")
Among these rules, we find the obligation to leave a corner
of the fields to the poor and the strangers. For example, if we have a field
with corn, we cannot harvest the whole field; we need to leave something for
those in need.
What is really interesting is the Torah uses a general
language for this rule and also a specific language for the same rule but for
grapes. The Torah repeats the same commandment but for the fields of grapes.
Why is this so? I would like to suggest that there is a
specific mention of the grapes because grapes represent happiness. We cannot be
completely happy all the time. There are people in need and the Torah is
highlighting that.
That is the way to become a holy nation. In our time of
happiness, we still need to remember those in need.
No comments:
Post a Comment