Outnumbered

This past Shabbos, I was outnumbered. And I loved it.

Over 70 Chabad Rabbis showed up in Boise for the Western Regional Kinus HaShluchim. Together we learned, davened, and farbrenged. It was a tremendous privilege and a true delight to host such an auspicious group.

What inspired me the most, was listening to the stories of my fellow Shluchim. Serving on the front lines, they are literally saving Jewish lives – physically and spiritually.

One Rabbi walked over an hour to sound the Shofar for a fellow Jew on Rosh Hashanah. That single act kindled the soul, and this Jew has found his way back to Judaism.

A parent in New York called Chabad in Hilo, Hawaii complaining that they lost contact with their son, who has abandoned Judaism and fled to Hawaii. The Rabbi devises a way to meet the son and bring him matzah and wine for Pesach. Meanwhile the son breaks down, asking G-d for a sign to reconnect. When they meet the son is crying about his lost connection to his faith and his family. He reconnects.

I can go on and on.

These Shluchim are role models for serving G-d and their fellow people lishmah. Lishmah means to do something for its own sake. Or, for the sake of G-d.

Not, for some type of reward. Even a spiritual reward. Or, even a personal satisfaction.

That’s the army the Rebbe created – and it still amazes me.

And, it’s a lesson in this week’s parsha.

In Parshat Emor, the Torah tells us many of the rituals and laws surrounding the holidays. In middle of the instructions for various holidays, the Torah suddenly interrupts and commands us to leave the corner of the field and the forgotten or unpicked produce for the poor people. These mitzvot don’t seem to belong here. And, we already know them! This is the second time the Torah is telling the Jewish people to observe these forms of tzedakah.  Why is the Torah repeating these mitzvot, and why is it smack in middle of the laws of the Festivals? What does this have to do with Shavuot or Rosh Hashanah?

There are many laws of tzedakah and gifting in the Torah. For example, a farmer must gift 10% of his produce to a Levite. A person must gift 10% of their income to poor people or charitable causes.

However, when it comes to most forms of tzedakah, a person can choose what to give and to whom to give. When I give tzedakah, I get to choose the cause or the recipient.

However, when the Torah commands us to leave a corner of the field for the poor, I cannot prevent one pauper from gathering the produce in favor of my poor cousin. These three forms of tzedakah are unique in that they require altruistic giving.

When I donate to a cause I care for, my giving is somewhat tainted. It’s motivated by my ideals and desires. Or, it may be inspired by my relationship with the recipient. While highly commendable, it’s lacking the total devotion Hashem wants us to display with our resources.

To truly recognize that G-d is the true owner of all funds, we need to give altruistically – at least sometimes.

During the Festivals we are celebrating and giving. It’s a holy time.

G-d interjects the discussion about the Festivals to remind us that genuine holiness must be about giving altruistically.

I am humbled to be part of a team whose mission is simply helping others, no matter the sacrifice.