This week’s Torah reflection comes from Louis Aiello, a member of the Team Friendship family.
Shabbat Shalom to y’all! This week we read Va’etchanan, “and I pleaded,” with the third reading being Chapter 4, verse 41, to the chapter’s end.
The Israelites continue to listen to Moshe on the east side of the Jordan, opposite the valley of Beit Peor, as he relays to them the “testimonies, rules and ordinances.” As he spoke, the sun rose over these newly conquered lands, now declared by both Reuben and Gad as their divine inheritance. The half-tribe of Manasseh also declared these lands to be theirs, yet for a completely different purpose. Moshe knew his time was short. Mount Hermon could be clearly seen to the north, while to the south stood Mount Nebo. What was once a land of idolatry was now to be transformed and elevated into holy communities. It was now that he declared the three cities of refuge on the Jordan’s east side: Betzer in the plain country for the tribe of Reuben, Ramot in Gilead for the tribe of Gad, and Golan in the land of Bashan for the tribe of Manasseh.
By naming these cities of refuge, Moshe showed his incredible conviction, drive, and compassion for the less fortunate. To his last days, it was incredibly important to him that justice was always done, even for those who committed a crime accidentally, whether inadvertently or unintentionally. Since they had no desire to do any actual harm to anyone, it wasn’t proper for them to suffer for something that could have been out of their control.
These cities weren’t meant to shelter those who committed actual atrocities with intent against G-d, as those who previously lived in these lands had done, such as the Amorite kings Sichon and Og. Indeed, it wasn’t long ago that these lawless lands were under the control of the Amorites, with King Sichon and Og of Bashan declaring the total eradication of the Israelites. It was only with Hashem’s hand that any victory was guaranteed, as even Moshe had to be reassured by Hashem not to be afraid of the towering Og when confronting him.
If this teaches us anything, it shows that just as Moshe was compassionate, we must be compassionate too. Truly, we should never judge someone for their faults if we have never had the opportunity to experience their circumstances. Instead, we must be there for them and help them during their times of need, so that they can in turn eventually help others who have gone through the same struggles. Honestly, it’s only through our own faults and flaws that we can elevate our world and really bring about Mashiach.
Sadly, today the concept of compassion is often misguided. Many suffer, and people should have a place to heal and grow. Countless are sick, as was true for me and my brother, who were both in a home for mental healing. For some it works, as it did for me, but for others, like my brother, it failed. When he should not have been given access to his weapons, out of “compassion” he was, and as a result he used them against himself. I am grateful that he didn’t use them on others, and in some ways this has brought me some relief.
None of this was compassion, only tragedy, and there is a long list of sad stories like it. Countless suffer, and it has only led to further political divide, because there is no easy solution. I don’t have one either, but I know we won’t find a way out if it’s not talked about. Only through helping the less fortunate, and seeing that justice is done for all, can we pave the way to the Messianic Age, when our beloved Sanhedrin will return.
Personally, I remember when I lived in Charlotte. I was a delivery driver, working into the night making sure orders were carried out with satisfaction, and many of my deliveries took me past the transit line called the LYNX.
It broke my heart to hear how a young woman, Iryna Zarutska, who may not have lived more than ten miles from me and was doing the exact same job I had, was killed on the LYNX Blue Line. She had fled her home during a time of war and was only trying to make ends meet when, after her shift, she was attacked on the train. What made it even more tragic was that no one helped her, though several witnesses saw it happen.
The man who committed this crime had a long record and suffered from severe mental illness. Even though authorities knew he was not well, instead of seeing to it that he got the care he required, he was, through “compassion,” released back into the open. Witnesses saw him before the attack crying and trying to stop the voices, and as a result a young woman lost her life. That was not compassion for him or for her. It is my hope that I can judge others fairly, regardless of opinions, and see to it that my children learn from my example.
May these 25 hours of Shabbat be a reminder to all of us of how truly special it is to have our laws, which bring peace and prosperity to all. May this Shabbat soothe our hearts and uplift them with shalom. 😀
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time.