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וכי ימוך אחיך ומטה ידו עמך והחזקת בו

If your brother becomes impoverished, and his means falter in your proximity, you shall strengthen him. (25:35)

Rashi explains vehechezakta bo, “you shall strengthen him,” to mean that, if one sees a decline in his fellow’s business, if he sees that the money does not flow in his home as it once used to, he should step in and slow the descent, helping him to regain his financial footing. It is that much more difficult once the fall has gone too far. Rashi compares this to a donkey who is struggling with a heavy load. As long as the donkey is erect, albeit struggling, one person can support him. Once the donkey has fallen to the ground,…

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וכי ימוך אחיך... והחזקת בו

If your brother becomes impoverished… you shall strengthen him. (25:35)

It is not always about money. Some of the wealthiest people are depressed, and, conversely, some of the poorest people are filled with joy. A person’s attitude reflects his needs. V’chi yamuch achicha, ‘If your brother becomes impoverished,” is not necessarily about money. He might need a shoulder to cry on; a hand to pat his back; a smile to brighten his day; a compliment to make him feel relevant. Emotional depression is worse than financial woe. People cover up their feelings. They smile, laugh, joke, all while they are crying bitterly from within. A number of years ago, a…

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וכי ימוך אחיך ומטה ידו עמך והחזקת בו גר ותושב וחי עמך

If your brother becomes impoverished and his means falter in your proximity, you shall strengthen him – proselyte or resident – so that he can live with you. (25:35)

In Avos D’Rav Nassan 2:43, we are taught that a poor man has eight names, eight frames of reference based upon his sad state of affairs. They are: ani; evyon; miskein; rash; dal; dach; mach; and holech. An ani is the standard name for implying his impoverished state. Evyon is derived from taavah, desire; a poor man wants everything, because he has nothing. Miskein means unfortunate, miserable, for he is humiliated due to his wretched state. Rash, destitute, means he has been left bereft of his possessions. Dal refers to being poor, meager. Dach is dejected and distressed. Mach means…

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ולא תונו איש את עמיתו ויראת מאלקיך

Each of you shall not aggrieve his fellow, and you shall fear your G-d. (25:17)

Chazal teach that, unlike the previous pasuk (14), “Do not aggrieve one another,” which refers to business conduct, this pasuk addresses the prohibition of onoas devarim, hurting people with words. Regrettably, too many ways exist in which we knowingly and unknowingly transgress this sin. Who does not know the meaning of the term shtoch, sticking a needle into a person? Sadly, a needle comprised of words is ultimately more painful, and the pain endurance longer, than a needle of steel. Reminding people of their earlier infractions or other embarrassing events in their past, be it their own or that of…

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