Behar/Bechukotai
Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-27:34
Leviticus 25:29-38
25:29 “‘If a man sells a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it has been sold. For a full year, he shall have the right of redemption. 30 If it isn’t redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be made sure in perpetuity to him who bought it, throughout his generations. It shall not be released in the Jubilee. 31 But the houses of the villages which have no wall around them shall be accounted for with the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee.
32 “‘Nevertheless, in the cities of the Levites, the Levites may redeem the houses in the cities of their possession at any time. 33 The Levites may redeem the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, and it shall be released in the Jubilee; for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel. 34 But the field of the pasture lands of their cities may not be sold, for it is their perpetual possession.
35 “‘If your brother has become poor, and his hand can’t support himself among you, then you shall uphold him. He shall live with you like an alien and a temporary resident. 36 Take no interest from him or profit; but fear your Elohim, that your brother may live among you. 37 You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. 38 I am Hashem your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your Elohim.
Today’s Meditation:
Again, in verses 35-38, Hashem tells us how to help out the poor. We are not to take an interest in loaning money, nor give him food for profit. It seems like Hashem is always making sure all His people are taken care of. If we are blessed with money, we are to share it with those who are less fortunate. He loves all of us and does not want any of us to be in need. That must be what the command to “love one another” means. It means not only loving someone but also taking care of them.
Today’s Challenge:
Here is a challenge for you today. It will take a little bit of work, but it aligns with what Torah has taught us today. Look in your cupboards. Do you have any extra food or an abundance of food? Separate out what you have in addition and put it in bags. Take it down to your local food kitchen or to a neighbor in need. Share your food with those in need today. Do a mitzvah today for those in need. Or even better, take a minute to pray and ask Hashem who needs some monetary help today. He will bring someone to mind. Follow through and help that person out. Do it today, do not delay. You will be blessed.
