More Simple Truths

I have mentioned many times the need for people to be helping people.  It has never been as important in the world as it is today.  The world is in trouble and Hashem is watching us and testing us to see how we react by reaching out to the needs of others.  So simple a lesson as what we see with the geese should be a manifold message to us.

The parsha of this past Shabbos (Re’eh) included a very pertinent message from Hashem (Deuteronomy 15:7-11):

7 If there shall be a destitute person among you, any of your brethren in any of your cities, in your Land that HASHEM, your God, gives you, you shall not harden your heart or close your hand against your destitute brother. 8 Rather, you shall open your hand to him; you shall lend him his requirement, whatever is lacking to him. 9 Beware lest there be a lawless thought in your heart, saying, 'The seventh year approaches, the remission year," and you will look  malevolently upon your destitute brother and refuse to give him - then he may appeal against you to HASHEM, and it will be a sin upon you. 10 You shall surely give him, and let your heart not feel bad when you give him, for in return for this matter, HASHEM, your God, will bless you in all your deeds and in your every undertaking. 11 For destitute people will not cease to exist within the Land; therefore I command you, saying, "You shall surely open your hand to your brother, to your poor, and to your destitute in your Land."

Simply put, Hashem is not just giving us people to help in order to test us, but He is giving us an opportunity to help ourselves.  An open hand and an open heart lead to great reward for the giver.  We do not do Hashem’s mitzvot for reward, but when we do His ways, the payoff is great.  I have been saying again and again that the only way to true happiness in this world and for all eternity for us and our loved ones is by following Hashem’s instructions and living His Torah.  This is one big example and it works beyond your wildest imagination.