The Torah intriguingly places the prohibition of owning inaccurate weights and measure immediately preceding the mandate to destroy the nation of Amalek. The medieval commentator Rashi explains this juxtaposition by explaining that when the Jewish Nation allows corrupt weights and measures, God responds by allowing our enemies to invade.
The Maharal of Prague, a 16th Century Kabbalist, elaborates on Rashi’s comment. He explains that by prohibiting inaccurate weights the Torah wants to instill within us the concept that God placed boundaries in the world. Each person has his own space within which no one else is permitted to encroach. One person’s sphere of influence, power, and possession extends only so far. No one else may encroach on his sphere, nor may he extend himself into the domain of another. This is symbolized by the very exact nature of weights and measures. In a commercial transaction, scrupulous measuring reminds us of the exactitude of what belongs to one party and what belongs to the other.
When we are not careful with the accuracy of our weights, explains the Maharal, it indicates a lack of respect for boundaries on our part. God responds by allowing other nations to disrespect our boundaries, by attacking and attempting to take away our land.
Sharing this with a class this morning, my mind went immediately to the current situation in Israel. Why is God allowing the entire world to demand of Israel to allow its borders to be encroached? Is there possibly a connection between the current situation and what the Maharal is writing?
We wring our hands and wonder what there is to do about the alarming state of the Middle East. Perhaps this is a place to start. Are we careful about not overstepping financial bounds when dealing with others? Do we respect the other people’s space, or do we frequently make ourselves at home where we don’t belong and take liberties with others’ rights and property?
If we want our boundaries to be respected, we need to respect them, in all their manifestations, as well.
The Maharal of Prague, a 16th Century Kabbalist, elaborates on Rashi’s comment. He explains that by prohibiting inaccurate weights the Torah wants to instill within us the concept that God placed boundaries in the world. Each person has his own space within which no one else is permitted to encroach. One person’s sphere of influence, power, and possession extends only so far. No one else may encroach on his sphere, nor may he extend himself into the domain of another. This is symbolized by the very exact nature of weights and measures. In a commercial transaction, scrupulous measuring reminds us of the exactitude of what belongs to one party and what belongs to the other.
When we are not careful with the accuracy of our weights, explains the Maharal, it indicates a lack of respect for boundaries on our part. God responds by allowing other nations to disrespect our boundaries, by attacking and attempting to take away our land.
Sharing this with a class this morning, my mind went immediately to the current situation in Israel. Why is God allowing the entire world to demand of Israel to allow its borders to be encroached? Is there possibly a connection between the current situation and what the Maharal is writing?
We wring our hands and wonder what there is to do about the alarming state of the Middle East. Perhaps this is a place to start. Are we careful about not overstepping financial bounds when dealing with others? Do we respect the other people’s space, or do we frequently make ourselves at home where we don’t belong and take liberties with others’ rights and property?
If we want our boundaries to be respected, we need to respect them, in all their manifestations, as well.
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