Behar - GIVE OF YOURSELF

Behar - GIVE OF YOURSELF
May 15/16, 2015  Iyar 26/27, 5775

25:35
If your brother becomes impoverished and his hand [assets] become shaky among you, you must support him, [so too] the proselyte and the sojourner, [so] that he shall live with you.
36
You shall not take from him interest or usury and you shall fear your G-d, and your brother shall live with you.
37
You must not give [lend] him your money with interest, and usuriously you must not advance him your food.
38 G-D your G-D who brought you out from the land of Egypt to give you the land of Kena'an, to be a G-d for you.

Who is the rich one? The person who has extreme financial wealth? Yes!  The person who may struggle financially, but adheres to Torah? Yes!

We may see in contrast, that those less financially fortunate may have some or a few financial strains and stresses, but have such strong faith, trust, and reliance in G-d, they’re honestly at peace. They have true self-fulfillment!  That in itself is 'wealth'!

When we’re asked to please participate in giving a donation or a charitable effort, the person who has the faith, the belief, the one who trusts G-D entirely, seems to put forth without hesitation.
A person who truly trusts G-D should accordingly set his/her life style and adhere to that………….  He/she should not overly worry about what’s next, but instead fully entrust his/her faith and NOT neglect his/her true belief, his/her honest practice, and hi/her love of G-D!.  Obviously, I must add, the same person needs to spend with in his/her means, and plan accordingly, and NOT necessarily overdo it, BUT most definitely, live by the Torah, and its laws!

This is the true meaning of the Torah’s admonition or proof “Ve’Hechezakta Bo” – “And you should help support him.”  When a person in need turns to you for help and/or assistance, do NOT only respond by advising to trust in ONLY in G-D, and nothing else, and NOT offer from your heart,………. but gently, nicely, with sincere meaning, help him/her help him/herself immediately  with your support and teach sustainability and yes, maybe help out a little financially if you're able/willing, BUT GIVE THE GIFT OF YOU.

It’s not just about giving the donation of whatever it may be or writing a big check (and although very nice at times), but it is indeed showing your love for G-D, and your devout faith from within, and sharing that very aspect with your brother/sister.  Donations and charity can come in different forms, different manners or paths, but faith, is just “THAT”, your true, your honest, your daily walk with G-D!

The next time when stopped at a red light signal, and a person is walking  in the streets (hopefully safely), and looks at you, DON’T look away, even if you are unable to share even a dime; You should share a smile, practice your belief, and how you walk hand in hand with The Torah.
Sharing your smile may not purchase a cup of coffee or a meal, but it shows humanity,humility,and true belief!  We can TALK THE TALK, but.. WE ALL, SHOULD KINDHEARTEDLY, WALK THE WALK!