DIVREI TORAH ON PARSHAS ACHAREI MOS
People’s interactions with others should differ with the circumstances. Sometimes people should respond with Mishpot, based on who’s right and who’s wrong. For example, two people in a Din Torah who can’t afford to compromise should not do it.
Other times people should act with Emes, such as when a contract wasn’t signed by one of the parties by mistake, but both parties know that they agreed to the contract. Emes would ask both parties to abide by the contract.
Even when people are 100% right, if they’re wealthy, and the other party lives in poverty, they should respond with Chesed,
When the Malbim, explains the laws of Peah, the corner of the field which should be left for the poor people, he introduces the elements of, G’vul Olam, what belongs to everyone and G’vul Yochid, the possessions of the individual. G’vul Olam is the Shul, Mikvah, community park, and the street. These areas are also owned, and the laws of theft, and respect, apply to them as much as they do to things that are privately owned. Before, Peah is collected by a poor person, isn’t owned by any individual, but is still collectively owned by the community of poor people, and the laws of ownership still apply.
While we don’t separate Peah from our fields anymore, this Malbim should be a reminder for people to respect public areas, whether they’re used for Mitzvohs, such as Shuls, and Yeshivos, or those that are more mundane, such as the public park, or street.
Other times people should act with Emes, such as when a contract wasn’t signed by one of the parties by mistake, but both parties know that they agreed to the contract. Emes would ask both parties to abide by the contract.
Even when people are 100% right, if they’re wealthy, and the other party lives in poverty, they should respond with Chesed,
When the Malbim, explains the laws of Peah, the corner of the field which should be left for the poor people, he introduces the elements of, G’vul Olam, what belongs to everyone and G’vul Yochid, the possessions of the individual. G’vul Olam is the Shul, Mikvah, community park, and the street. These areas are also owned, and the laws of theft, and respect, apply to them as much as they do to things that are privately owned. Before, Peah is collected by a poor person, isn’t owned by any individual, but is still collectively owned by the community of poor people, and the laws of ownership still apply.
While we don’t separate Peah from our fields anymore, this Malbim should be a reminder for people to respect public areas, whether they’re used for Mitzvohs, such as Shuls, and Yeshivos, or those that are more mundane, such as the public park, or street.
The author can be contacted at shmuelgluck@areivim.com
One of the many Mitzvos in this Parsha is the Mitzvah of Shichutei Chutz, bringing a Korban on a Mizbeach (altar) which is outside of the Bais Hamikdash. The Sefer Hachinuch explains the reason for this Mitzvah.
For a Mitzvah to be properly done it must combine action, thought and emotion. The action is the performance of the Mitzvah. The thought is to focus on what is taking place, such as the person is serving Hashem, appreciating what Hashem’s done for them and any other thoughts related to the specific Mitzvah. The emotion internalizes those thoughts with the intent that they have a lasting effect.
The Chinuch explains, when a Korban is brought in people’s backyards there’s less excitement and less of a feeling that what they’re doing is special. Excitement motivates people and is human nature. Keeping that in mind, people can utilize that trait as a tool in serving Hashem and motivating others.
People should when possible daven in larger minyanim, unless they focus better in a smaller one. They should make their children feel special when they do a Mitzvah, instead of insisting they do it for the right reasons, even if the child doesn't feel good about it.
Nevertheless, one should be careful not to become accustomed that they only do Mitzvahs when it’s exciting. Instead, they should use their logic to recognize that Mitzvahs must always be performed. Once they’re doing the Mitzvah they should create the most compelling environment they can for that particular Mitzvah.
The author can be contacted at shmuelgluck@areivim.com
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