Raise Up (Behar)

In the commentaries of the Me’am Loez it is written: “When your brother becomes impoverished and loses the ability to support himself in the community, you must come to his aid. Help him survive, whether he is a proselyte or a native” (25:35).  There is an important phrase in discussing how we are to help other people: “to which he is accustomed.” This is the standard to which one should help support another person. This means that a person who is used to dressing nicely should have access to nice clothes, as an example. The basis of this idea is that it protects the honor of the person, that they are not demeaned or degraded because of their trying circumstances.

Helping the poor is a value in most civil societies. Every major North American city has shelters where the poor can find a bed, a warm shower, and something to eat. And there are many people who participate in programs to help the poor with a sincere heart, but....

It is very important in the context of Jewish law that one is honest with one’s intentions. For instance, do I write this dvar Torah to get lots of likes and attention and praise, or do I write it out of a sincere desire to write divrei Torah? The intentions behind my actions matter. This verse seems to make it clear In that one should come to the aid of one who has become impoverished not because you pity him, not because you want to be praised for doing so, but because you need to look at him “as your brother.” Look at him not as a separate entity but as your brother, a fellow tzelem Elokim, creature in the image of God.

Another interesting point that Rashi brings down is that this verse is actually an injunction: “Do not leave him by himself so that he comes down in the world until he finally falls altogether when it will be difficult to give him a lift, but uphold him from the very moment of the failure of his means.” We can’t live in this world oblivious to others. We should not be so wrapped up in ourselves that we miss the beginning of our brother’s fall, but, hopefully, we catch him before he reaches dire straits.

The parsha may be talking about financial matters, but the idea of catching a fellow before he falls is applicable to many things. A person can struggle in many areas of life. Be aware of your friends and neighbors, look at them as you look at yourself, and reach out to them before they need to reach out to you - and that can start with a simple smile, a pleasant hello, or a sincere inquiry into their welfare.