Mishpatim 5751

 

 

 

PARSHAS SHEKALIM

 

Each one of the four Pashoiys (special Torah readings) have a special content.

 

 

The first Parshah, Shekalim is about charity.

 

TZEDDAKAH / CHARITY

 

Tzeddakah is a Mitzvah that has no bounds (neither of time space or amount.)

 

 

Tzeddakah is the most important Mitzvah and greater than all.

 

 

Tzeddakah is actually the very fabric of society.

 

 

God made the world in such a way, that we all have aspects we must share (and hence there are aspects of which we must receive.)

 

The entire creation was made that the world should be functioning based on charity (goodness and kindness.)

 

Only through charity, can the world function.

 

We find even in the animal kingdom, charity (compassion) is necessary, as we see animals have love and compassion for their children, as well as on other.

 

Hence, we see charity (benevolence) is a fundamental aspect.

 

This is one of the reasons we read Shekalim, often with Parshas Mishpatim (which are logical laws) for any healthy intellect, realizes that we must be benevolent.

 

In fact, many Rabbinical authorities say, that giving charity is amongst the requirement, also of gentiles.

 

GOD  CHARITY

All that God gives, in fact is benevolent (as He owes no one anything.)

 

This of-course begins with everyone’s life.

 

CHARITY CUASES DIVINE CHARITY

 

Now God works reciprocally – hence through the charity we do below, he bestows.

 

 

Now as we all continually need God’s charity, hence we must.

 

 

Though when we give charity we are merely filling another’s need, however God’s return, is wealth.

 

 

As God is infinite, hence his charity is likewise.

 

TRUE CHARITY

 

In fact true charity (even from man) is to ensure that the other has the very best (as we find, that a loan is greater than charity – for loans are both to the rich and the poor.)

 

CREATION / PURPOSE

 

There are two fundamental aspects to creation, the first is the refinement of the animal-self (which is represented by the sacrifice – literally, making a sacrifice for something higher) and the second is the essential manifestation of the Divine.

 

CHASSIDUS

 

The infinite dimension of the Torah is the inner (Chassidic) dimension.

 

 

This is particularly in the Torah of Chabad.

 

ESSENCE

 

Ultimately (at least at the essence which a Jew must attain) the Jew, God and Torah are one – and at that essential level, there is nothing which cannot be elevated.

 

INCREASE CHARITY

 

So this Shabbos we must increase in charity – both physically (through giving food etc.) and spiritually (through teaching Torah – giving good advice etc.)

 

INCREASE CHASSIDUS

 

And we should add in our study in the inner dimension of Torah.

 

MOSHIACH

 

The Moshaich has already been chosen – it is only up to us to accept him.