B"H

Thursday, Iyar 8, 5784 / May 16, 2024 (23rd day of the Omer)

This Shabbat we study the third chapter of Pirkei Avot (Chapters of our Fathers). The following are a few excerpts from this chapter:

Rabbi Akiva said: "Everything is given on collateral and a net is spread over all the living; the shop is open, the shopkeeper extends credit, the ledger is open, the hand writes, and whoever wishes to borrow, let him come and borrow; the collectors make their rounds regularly, each day, and exact payment from man with or without his knowledge… And everything is prepared for the feast".

These words were said 2,000 years ago. How true are these words in today's world when we rely so much on credit. It may seem free and easy in the beginning, but there is a payment to be made one day.

"The shop is open." This world is like a store. We have free choice in whatever we do. However, "The ledger is open and the hand writes." An accurate record is kept up in heaven, for which accountability will have to be given.  Rabbi Akiva concludes with, "Everything is prepared for the feast." This implies that there is great reward for those who have conducted themselves accordingly and who have accomplished their mission in this world. They lived their life knowing that there is accountability and a price to be paid for everything.

Rabbi Eliezer of Bartota said: "Give Him (G-d) of that which is His, for you and whatever is yours are His".  Rabbi Eliezer teaches us that we must realize that when we give to charity, we are in reality giving G-d that which is His to begin with. It was given to us on the condition, so we can do good deeds with it. Giving to charity and helping others in need is our mission in this world. We are in reality the conduit through which Hashem helps others. He gives it to them through us, so that we will have the mitzvah and reward for this act which He could have done Himself. Thus, a person should view that whatever one gives to charity was meant to be given to charity in the first place. 

Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa said: “Anyone with whom his fellowmen are pleased, G-d is pleased with him; but anyone with whom his fellowmen are not pleased; G-d is not pleased with him." 

Rabbi Eliezer ben Azariya said:  "Anyone whose wisdom exceeds his good deeds, to what can he be compared? To a tree whose branches are numerous but whose roots are few, and the wind comes and uproots it and turns it upside down. But anyone whose good deeds exceed his wisdom, to what can he be compared?  To a tree whose branches are few but whose roots are numerous, so that even if all the winds in the world were to come and blow against it, they could not move it from its place."

"Man is compared to the tree of the field" (Deut. 20:19).  Good deeds are like roots which keep the tree firmly in place. It is of great importance to educate children from a very young age in the performance of mitzvot, kindness and good deeds. These deep roots will guard and guide them throughout life.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY & VERY SUCCESSFUL DAY

UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW.