B"H

Tuesday, Iyar 16, 5778 (31st day of Sefirah) / May 1, 2018

This week’s Parsha is Emor (Leviticus 21-24).  The mitzvah of Tzedakah - giving charity - is one of the greatest mitzvot.  We find this mitzvah in last week's Parsha, Kedoshim, and again in this week's Parsha, Emor.

In Parshat Kedoshim, the Torah commands, "And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not completely reap the corner of your field, neither shall you gather the gleaning of your harvest... you shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger.  I am the L-rd your G-d."

In Parshat Emor, the Torah again commands, "And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corner of your field, neither shall you gather the gleaning of your harvest.  You shall leave them for the poor and the stranger.”

When we give, we should remember that we are not giving ours, but giving back to G-d what is His.  For whatever we own belongs to G-d. 

The correct translation of "Tzedakah" is not charity, but "justice."  Giving Tzedakah is not an act of charity but an act of justice. Conversely, when one does not give Tzedakah, one commits an act of "injustice."

Rabbi Akiva says, "Tithes is a fence for riches."  Although it may seem that withholding charity will bring one more personal wealth, according to the Torah, the opposite is true. According to Torah, “Giving is receiving.”

The Hebrew word for giving is “V’natnu” – “ונתנו”which can be read forward and backward. It alludes to the above mentioned idea, that giving Tzedakah is the key to receiving G-d’s blessings in return.    

On the lighter side:  In the village, the rabbi was taking his daily stroll when he saw the wealthiest Jew of the village lighting up a cigarette. "Why do you smoke," the rabbi asked the man.

"I just had a sumptuous meal, I overate, and the cigarette helps me digest my food," he replied.

Further on, the rabbi met a poor man smoking.  "Why do you smoke?" asked the rabbi.

"I haven't eaten for a while and smoking drives away my hunger pangs," replied the poor man.

"Oy vay, how silly people are," cried out the rabbi.  “If only the rich man would give the poor man some of his dinner, they would both be healthier, happier and never have to smoke again!"

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY