We must not ignore the Outcasts and Fallen

by HaRav Dov Begon
Rosh HaYeshiva, Machon Meir

“If you see your brother’s ox or sheep going astray, you must not ignore them. You must return them to your brother.... If you see your brother’s donkey or ox fallen under its load on the road, you must not ignore it. You must help him pick up the load” (Deuteronomy 22:1,4). Rashi explains the words “You must not ignore it”: “You must not avert your glance as though you do not see the lost object, or the animal floundering under its load.” The Torah is commanding us to strive to return the lost object and to help pick up the animal, despite the effort and inconvenience required. We must not avoid these acts, shirking responsibility and closing our eyes to our duty to help our fellow man.

All this applies to an ox, sheep or donkey, but how much more so to helping our fellow man himself! There are people who may be labeled “outcasts,” people who have gotten lost on the path of life. There are people who are floundering due to the heavy burdens weighing down upon their hearts and their shoulders -- problems of health, earning a living, family, all of these magnified now by the pandemic. How much more so that we must help them today as well! We must make a real effort to help the outcasts of life and those who are falling or have fallen because of the heavy burden they bear due to health issues, poverty, joblessness stemming from the pandemic.

Right now, we are living in a time when materialism holds sway. What characterizes the materialistic man and his society is self-interest. The desire to take, to receive, stands at the top of his priorities. He has no ideals. It is difficult for him to give; difficult for him to strive on behalf of his fellow because he believes his own issues are a priority. Closing one’s eyes so as not to see other people’s suffering becomes a norm.

Yet the day is not far off when all this will change. More and more people will understand that what is really important in life is simply to be a good person, who helps others and is sensitive to their needs. The way to become a good person is to cling to the character traits and pathways of G-d, for, “The L-rd is good to all and His mercy is over all His works” (Psalms 145:9).

Looking forward to complete salvation,
Shabbat Shalom.