INTEGRITY & FIDELITY; OUR SECRET WEAPON
This week, in addition to the regular Parsha of Vayikra, we will read a second Parsha, Parshas Zachor. Parshas Zachor instructs us to remember that Amalek attacked us when we left Egypt. They had no interest in attacking us other than to demonstrate that G.D’s people are just as mortal and human like every other nation. In reality, however, we know that as HaShem’s people, we are not mortal. The nation of Israel is eternal, we will outlive history itself.
In the verses preceding Parshas Zachor the Torah instructs us not to cheat in our business dealings. Our Sages teach us that when we cheat in our business dealings we are inviting Amalek to attack. In other words, our first line of defense lies in the integrity of our business dealings. Once that is in order, our enemies will not rise up. Why should our business conduct influence our security so significantly?
It is understood that our security is ultimately in the hands of HaShem. It therefore follows that to the degree that HaShem is with us, to that degree we are protected.
There is a basic principle that governs all relationships and that includes our relationship with HaShem as well. The more aware we are of our friend the closer we become. If our attention is on our friend when he is well and when he is sick, when his children are doing well and when they are not, the friendship between the friends will be strong. When we pay little attention to our friend the relationship wanes.
There is perhaps no greater concern that constantly haunts us than issues relating to our livelihood and the business dealings in which we are involved. If every time we dealt with our business we turned to HaShem, whether for His help or whether to make sure we were in line with His expectations, we would be drawn so close to Him. Our relationship with Him would be that much more strengthened. The closeness generated by that con-duct would be profound. It is therefore no wonder why the key to our national security lies in the level of integrity we have in our business dealings.
The implication of this notion is far reaching. What we might otherwise consider foolish and reckless could, in fact, be wise and prudent. There are times when we intuitively feel that the most secure way to proceed, is in the secular court of law even when there is an expectation that we should be going to the Jewish Beis Din. Our rationale tells us that there is no question what our course of action should be. Nevertheless, our Sages teach us that the reverse is true! Not only will it be better for us personally as we strengthen our connection with HaShem, but it offers security to our entire nation.
We read daily, of rockets coming in from Gaza to our beloved Homeland with almost no casualties. One must wonder in whose merit are we spared from the carnage? While I certainly do not know who to credit, we can certainly speculate that it may be those brave people who rise to the challenge of following what they know is expected of them rather than compromise their integrity.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Paysach Diskind