Published August 25, 2009
Parshat R’EI reminds us about the potential state of poverty that can - and usually does - pertain in Eretz Yisrael. In fact, not withstanding an almost unattainable state, whereby the observance of Hashem’s “entire command” would wipe out poverty altogether (D’varim 14:4-5), the Torah advises us that, “destitute people shall not cease to exist within the Land. Therefore, you shall surely open your hand to your brother, to your poor, and to your destitute in your Land” (ibid 14:11).
There seems to be an inherent contra- diction between the concept of a nation without destitute people and the notion that there shall not cease to be poor people in our society.
From this vantage point, one is begged to consider that poverty is a term that extends beyond financial distress. True, the Torah refers to economic need and the merit involved in “opening our hands” accordingly. But there is something else.
When the Torah commands us to extend to the destitute, “whatever is required,” that surely includes helping to build up the self-esteem of disadvantaged people, respecting their sensitivities, and not shaming them in the process. For even should poverty no longer exist, these moral behaviors will, unquestionably, still be of critical concern in our relationship to the underdog in a fair and just society.
Shabbat Shalom, Menachem Persoff
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