In Parshat Behar this week we learn about the mitzvah of Shmita. Shmita requires land owners in Eretz Yisrael to leave their land open for anyone (hopefully those who are poor) to take from. Why give tzedaka in this way? Why don’t we just see who needs and decide for ourselves whom to give?
There was once a rich man named Sir Gives-a-Lot who considered himself to be very generous. And the truth is that Sir Gives-a-Lot was a very generous man, but not in the right way. You see, Sir Gives-a-Lot was very careful about to whom he gave money. Before writing a check for someone in need, Sir asked many questions to make sure each person deserves tzedaka (this is why some people called him “Sir Asks-a-Lot”). This does sound like a smart thing to do. However, this often caused Sir Gives-a-Lot to refuse money to people who really were in need.
One day, a man named Ned came asking for money because he could not find a job. Sir Gives-a-Lot asked a few questions, finally asking about Ned’s last job. Ned responded that he was fired for stealing, making it difficult to find new employment. After hearing this, Sir immediately dismissed Ned. “Sorry, my good man, but by stealing you put yourself in this position. I cannot give you any money, but I wish you the best.” As Ned walked away, he suddenly stopped and turned around. “You will feel sorry for not having mercy on me! I hope one day soon you will learn your lesson.” Sir Gives-a-Lot was not impressed and told himself so: “Just one more man undeserving of my generosity.”
It did not take long for Ned’s prediction to come true. That night, while he slept, a very strange feeling came over Sir Gives-a-Lot. He sat up in bed and found himself in a courtroom. At the front of the room sat a judge who ordered Sir Gives-a-Lot to stand. “Mr. Gives-a-Lot. You stand accused of giving tzedaka in the wrong manner. Although it is important to avoid giving to fakers, one must be careful not to judge those in need. You Sir, have judged many unfavorably, and in the process deprived them of much-needed charity. What do you have to say for yourself?”
Sir could not believe it. He began to cry. Through his sobs, he begged for mercy. “Please, your honor. I had no idea I was doing anything wrong! I really thought I was doing the right thing! Please let me go!” However, the judge was not moved. “Mr. Gives-a-Lot, your pleas for mercy have not convinced me. You will spend the night in jail and tomorrow we will decide on your punishment. You do still have time to think of a proper defense.”
That night, Sir Gives-a-Lot could not sleep; all he could do was think. His whole life he had acted in a way he was sure was right. He learned to give tzedaka properly from his parents and just did what they did. They asked many questions, so he did as well. “Of course!” thought Sir Gives-a-Lot, “that is my defense!” The next morning, Sir Gives-a-Lot presented his argument to the judge. He claimed that he could not be held responsible if he had been raised this way. Now that he knows the truth, he will change his ways.
The judge thought for a moment and spoke. “I believe your argument to be a good one.” (Sir Gives-a-Lot began to smile.) “However,” continued the judge (Sir Gives-a-Lot’s smile began to fade) you have not judged others how you want to be judged.” (Sir Gives-a-Lot looked confused.) “Just yesterday a man named Ned approached you for money, but you turned him away because you blamed him for stealing. What you did not know was that Ned grew up in a family of thieves. He was not sent to school and was taught that stealing is the only way to survive. In the past few years, Ned has been working hard on himself to break this habit, and two years ago, Ned earned his first job. Ned had not stolen in five years until he took a printer home from work last week. Had you known how Ned was raised, you never would have turned him away. But what’s done is done. Guards, take Mr. Gives a-Lot away!”
Don’t worry; this story ends well. Sir Gives-a-Lot was only dreaming (but of course you knew that) and he used this dream to change his ways. This is the lesson of Shmita. Give. Help. Be kind. But not on your own terms. You never know how someone got into a difficult position, and it’s not always for us to judge.
By Yair Daar
Yair Daar is an assistant principal and the resident parsha storyteller at Yeshivat He’Atid. He can be reached at [email protected].
