Cantor Arik Wollheim: Shalom From Jerusalem

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SHALOM FROM JERUSALEM

Shabbat Parashat Ki Tisa, Parashat Parah, Adar 19th 5770 March 5, 2010

Shalom,

I hope you all had a wonderful and meaningful Purim, and that you all fulfilled the mitzva of reading Megilat Esther twice on the holiday.

There is a thought provoking portion of the Megillah that does not often get a great deal of attention, amidst the intrigue of the Palace of Shushan and the evil of Haman.
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In the Megillah we read the story of Mordechai , who heard of a plot by Bigtan and Teresh to kill the King. This plot was exposed to the King, and in order to protect himself, he decided to kill Bigtan and Teresh. Mordechai's act is noted in the King's Book of Chronicles. Then, one night, the king couldn't sleep and he asks that someone read the Book of Chronicles. (I personally completely understand since it sounds like something extremely boring that would put ANYONE to sleep immediately) While reading he remembers the incident when his life was saved thanks to Mordechai's quick thinking, Mordechai was not rewarded for his bravery. "The King asked: 'what honor or dignity has been conferred on Mordechai for this?' and the King's pages replied: 'Nothing has been done for/to him' (Esther 6, 3)

The following insight into this question was offered by Rabbi Solomon Gruer, Tehilah's grandfather, and a man to whom I am honored to refer to as Zaydie. How is it possible that a man who saved the King's life was not properly thanked or rewarded? It makes no sense?! However, looked at in perspective, the situation of the Jews in Shushan was very similar to the one of Jews in Europe before the Holocaust. They were not safe. If you were a Jew walking in the street you knew that there could be a good chance that you would be attacked for no reason. Jews in Shushan, just like in Europe, were second class citizens, subjected to the mercy of their neighbors, unprotected, with no rights. And therefore, Mordechai's reward was that he was protected. After saving the King's life Mordechai was able to walk down the street without fear of being attacked just because he is a Jew. And therefore, the servant's answer to Achashverosh: "Lo Na'asa Imo Davar" --nothing has been done for him can be translated also as nothing has been done TO him". He is safe. We also understand this idea in the context of rewarding Mordechai. For the King this type of "reward" was not enough. Achashverosh was never in a position to fear for his life just because he was born Jewish and therefore, having the minimum security every citizen has, was not considered to be a reward in the eyes of the King.

This same principal can be applied to another Mitzvah of the holiday of Purim: Matanot La'Evyonim (gifts to the poor or charity).
There is an interesting statement by Chazal that there is no one measure or quantity for charity giving. It's all relative. The sages said that the community has the obligation to maintain a person who lost his means in the same very level or quality of life that he/ she us used to. Meaning that even if it means that beneficiary of that charity is going to have more than the givers themselves. It's all relative.

Punishment: Perhaps the most famous one in the Torah is the one given to Moses for hitting instead of speaking to the rock. Naturally the obvious question is why? After all it's not fair?! Moses has done so much and because of one, so it seems, little mistake, he is punished in such a severe manner that he will not enter the promise land and will not see the fruit of his hard labor of over 40 years. Many commentators explain that the punishment is actually fitting since Moses was in such high level that even the tiniest sin requires severe punishment. The reward, as well as the punishment, must be proportional.

"Do not judge your fellow until you have reached his place" said Hillel in the second Chapter of Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers).

We all pass judgment on matters small and large, regarding both reward as well as punishment, on a daily basis. The next time we do that though, we should remember not to necessarily apply our own experiences and judgment. These things are always relative. The punishment may fit the crime; the reward may be proportional to the action, although we might not always have a clear understanding of it. May all refrain from judging our fellow man until we have reached his place.

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem,

Cantor Arik Wollheim