“If there is a destitute individual
among you, one of your brothers... do not harden
your heart... Rather you shall open your hand to
him.” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8) The Ohr Hachaim
(1696-1743) comments that the Torah adds the
words “one of your brothers” to teach us an
important lesson - Do not think when you see a
destitute individual he is any less of a
brother. Being poor or stricken by hard times
does not diminish an individual’s worth.
The Ibn Ezra (~1089-1164) explains “do
not harden your heart” is not only in reference
to ignoring the person in his time of need but
also applies to softening our hearts and
comforting those in need with warming and
encouraging words.
The Torah recognizes that people often
attribute their achievements and successes to
their own abilities and, by the same logic,
assume another person’s dire circumstances
result from his own shortcomings.
The Medrash Shemot Rabba (21:4) says
poor men are often ignored but the rich are
usually respected. However, in the eyes of G-d,
all are equal and are heard equally, as it says
in Psalms (68:3) “Listener of Prayer, to You
(G-d) all flesh comes.”
The Yefe Toar, commenting on the
Medrash, explains that Psalm 102, “the prayer of
a destitute man”, is not only referring to a
person who is impoverished, but also a wealthy
individual who lacks good deeds.
From G-d’s perspective, a man’s wealth
is the sum of his good deeds. A person is
measured by his character and his actions,
particularly to those in need, not by his
wallet. “Open your hand to him”, your brother,
for his sake and yours.
Shabbat Shalom
