VOLUME 20, ISSUE 31 FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 / 27 TAMUZ 5773
CANDLE LIGHTING: 8:10 P.M. SHABBAT ENDS: 9:18 PM (CHICAGO)
TORAH PORTION: MATTOS – MASEI (NUMBERS 30:2 – 36:13)
Hang in there – Shabbos is coming!
This week’s CTN Shabbat Fax is sponsored by Rabbi Moshe & Bracha Katz, in memory of his mother, Mrs. Eleanor Katz, on the occasion of her yahrzeit. ‘Your commitment to Torah and Judaism inspired Dad to begin a life of Torah and together you raised abeautiful family of Rabbis, educators and deeply committed Jews.’
1. You shall be innocent in the eyes of G-d and of Israel (32:22)
It’s a very important message. About our responsibilities in life.
That it’s not enough to just do what’s right.
It’s important to make sure nothing we do even looks improper.
We shouldn’t say: It doesn’t matter what other people think.
What my actions look like to them.
As long as I know that what I’m doing is right.
The Torah says no.
Why?
Because what we do impacts others.
Our children. Friends. Even strangers.
People see how we act – and it can affect their commitment and behavior.
… So whether we actually do something wrong.
Or it just looks that way.
The bottom line is the same.
People may learn from what they see us do.
And that’s also part of our responsibility.
? Rabbi Aaron Kotler was walking in Jerusalem.
Along the way, there were a number of poor people asking for charity.
And he gave something to each of them.
Except for one.
A full block later, he hesitated, turned around and walked back to give him some money.
A student who was with him, asked him to explain. And he did.
‘At first I passed by. Because I already gave that man charity this morning.
But then I thought about it.
And realized that someone may have seen me pass by.
And would think that I didn’t want to give him at all.
Maybe I knew something bad about him.
And the person who saw me might also not give.
Which would be wrong.
So I went back and gave the man again’.
STORY OF THE WEEK
A woman was walking along the ocean with her small child.
Suddenly a huge wave came and carried him out to sea.
The woman was totally helpless, and panicked.
She called out to G-d in desperation, “Please, I beg You, give me back my child!”
Suddenly, a huge wave appeared. And deposited the child. Safe and sound.
She hugged and kissed her son, and with tremendous feeling, thanked G-d.
Then she looked down at her son. And addressed G-d again.
“He was wearing a hat.”
… We have so much to be thankful for.
Let’s not ask for the hat!
Dr. Abraham Twersky, (It’s Not As Tough As You Think)
