The sixth portion of the book / Chumash of Exodus.
After the giving of the Torah on Mt Sinai, G-d tells Moses to ascend the mountain again, this time for 40 days, in order to teach him the details of the Torah’s laws.
Amongst the many laws discussed, the case of loans made are detailed.
“When you lend money..”(22:24)
The commandment to lend money applies even if the borrower owns possessions that he can in theory sell. Thus, the commandment to lend money, unlike the commandments to give charity, is intended to benefit not only the poor but the rich too.
If, at times, we should consider the possibility to lend money to someone who is not poor, we should consider the possibility that in a previous lifetime, the present roles may have been reversed: We may have been the beneficiary of a loan or some other form of help from the person presently requesting a loan from us. This is our opportunity orchestrated from above to repay his good deed.
This Shabbat we take out two Torah scrolls. The Shabbat is called SHEKALIM, known as the first of FOUR special readings, that we read before the Festival of Passover. Each person had to give a HALF silver shekel to the Tabernacle that was used for communal sacrifices. Rich and poor alike gave the same amount and only a HALF shekel. This indicates amongst many reasons that we can only be a whole, when we join together with another HALF, representing unity.
Wishing you a meaningful Shabbat followed by a successful week.
With our continued prayers for an everlasting peace in Israel with Moshiach.