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Lech Lecha 2 "And Hashem said, Should I hide from Avrohom what I intend to do (to Sodom)...After all I know him, in order that he should command his children and household after him, and they will keep the way of Hashem to do righteousness and justice". The way of Hashem is to do both Justice and Righteousness (charity). It is never sufficient to do just one and ignore the other. The Alter of Slobodka, R' Nosson Tzvi Finkel, one of the founders of the Mussar movement, would say: "The Torah states here the causes of the relationship between Avrohom and Hashem. Not the belief in Hashem's existence and unity which Avrohom was the first to spread in the world. Rather, the Torah refers to Avrohom's teaching his children to go in the ways of righteousness and justice. This was the real focal point of his persona, and what Hashem really wanted." R' Chaim the Rav of Sanz would say: "In my youth I hoped to return the entire world to good and bring all close to Hashem. As I aged I realised the entire world I could not manage, and I hoped for my city. Some years later I hoped at least my household. Now in my old age, when I understand the reality of the world, I hope to redeem at least myself, and for my sins, this too, I have not yet done. R' Faivish Getz, a well known personna in Vilna, went on Chol HaMoed to the home of a leading Rav in town. He found there many Rabbonim and students of learning discussing words of Torah, and the entire house was uplifted by the wonderful spirit of Torah learning. One young man, in modern clothing was seen wandering from room to room. Upon enquiry it was discovered that the modern young man was the son of the Rav who had abandoned the Yeshiva world and was attending the University in St Petersburg. All the distinguished guests greeted the son warmly and wished his father well. The Rav who was clearly uncomfortable explained, while he would have preffered his son to have arrived from a good Yeshiva, like Volozhin, rather than from University in St Petersburg.. Exclaimed R' Faivish, "It is clear that our distinguished host is not knowledgeable in geography. Otherwise he would have know that from St Petersburgh it is impossible to return from Volozhin R' Zvi Elimelech of Dinov would ask, "Why did not out sages institute a Brocha for Tzedakah, as they did for all the other Mitzvos? The answer is, had the giving of Tzedakah required a brochah in advance, the poor would long have died from hunger. After being asked for Tzedakah, a rich man would become very meticulous in his observance. He would have to wash his hands before saying such a special Brochah. Perhaps he even would need to go to the mikveh before. He would the pronounce a lengthy L'Shem Yichud - an introduction to the brochah - and only then would he finallly be able to make the brochah. By that time the poor man would be dead. R' Meir Shapiro of Lublin asked a wealthy man for a contribution to his world renowned Yeshiva. The fellow turned him down saying, "Neither I nor my children need yeshivos. Replied R' Meir, I am surprised that you wish to be worse off then Haman. After all, our sages tell us that descendants of Haman learned Torah in Bnei Braq. Yet you are positive that neither you nor your descendants for all eternity will ever study in a Yeshiva." The man changed his mind and provided a generous donation for the Yeshiva. R' Elyakim Getzel of Bialystock would say: One is forbidden to speak about a fellow Jew; it is a Mitzvah to speak with a fellow Jew. |
