Emor(Leviticus 21-24)

The Anonymous Gift

In this week's Torah portion, God instructs the owners of fields that:

"When you reap the harvest from your land, you shall not remove ... the corners of your field... For the poor ... shall you leave them ..." (Lev. 23:23)


A LIFE LESSON

God tells the Jewish people that they need to a leave a corner of their fields unharvested to allow the poor to come and take from it. God doesn't tell them to give some of their crops to the poor, but rather they should leave them some of their crops. The difference, although seemingly insignificant, is actually quite powerful.

When someone in need has to take from someone else, this not only takes courage but can also be quite embarrassing. God created all of us with an immense feeling of pleasure when we're able to be self-sufficient.

There are times when we all need help from someone else of one kind or another. But the want and thirst not to be completely dependent upon someone else for our basic needs are innate within all of us.

In an effort to allow the receiver of the crops not to feel ashamed, God tells the owner of the field to leave the crops. This way, perhaps in the middle of the night, the one who's in need can simply take without any embarrassment. To be able to pick up the crops with no one seeing him is an effort to lessen the receiver's emotional pain of knowing that at this moment he is dependent upon someone else for life's necessities.

What if you don't have a field in which to leave your crops? Today most people aren't farmers and the Torah is also an instruction guide for living in modern times. So, what lesson does this come to teach us?

Perhaps it's sometimes to give to others without ever letting them or anyone ever know that it was you who gave. To give anonymously to someone powerfully demonstrates that your motives are totally altruistic and you seek nothing in return expect for knowing that you helped someone in need.

The more you can give without the receiver ever knowing who you are, the more you'll be giving for the right reasons. It will be all about them and not about you. It won't be for the sake of an award, gratitude, or to see you name in lights. Rather, you'll be giving because you know that God simply "decided" that you should, as opposed to the one who's now in need. You're merely God's "go-between" to leave for others some of what God so graciously gave to you.

Giving in this way not only ensures that the recipient won't be embarrassed, but it also gets you completely in touch with the true and only source of all your possessions. And when you do this, you prepare yourself to receive God's blessing always to be an agent to give.

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Published: Sunday, May 7, 2006

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Visitor Comments: 7

(6) ericafriedman, May 6, 2011 2:37 AM

What a plethora of mitzvot to talk about

I was just asked to speak on Shabbat. I just finished our rosh Hodesh group teaching Ruth. The connections are amazing. Still stuck for a topic- Work on Rambam's ladder of tzedakah

(5) Harry, May 2, 2011 11:13 PM

God's Gift

The poor person who finds the corners need only thank God, not the farmer; nor feel ashamed receiving the gift, not from the farmer, but from God.

(4) Jerry Solomon, May 2, 2011 10:42 PM

2011 update

Finally a harvest, our financial markets are extremently favorable. Let us set aside a portion to contribute to those who are devastated and destitute in the South, as a result of the horrendous tornados. Make Torah relevant by deeds of kindness. I have donated a fair share. Join me. Jerry

(3) Stephen Sturman, April 26, 2010 11:34 PM

Reminds us to think of God, not ourselves

When I read this, I am reminded of my favorite passage in the Siddur on Friday evening, in one Amida, I can only para phrase "Be not like the servant who werves his master for the sake of a reward. But rather, be like the sevant who serves his master with no thought of reward, and may the awe of God be upon you"....If you think of a reward, you think of yourself, not God". This is what doing any good should be, I believe. Even a thank you can be a reward. If you need thanks for doing it, instead of giving thanks for being able to do it , you do it for the wrong reasons, I think.

(2) JLG, May 9, 2009 10:36 AM

INCREDIBLE

What an incredible concept - it is so relevant, because many times in our society, we expect that if we do a good deed such as giving charity, the person on the other end will give us a pat on the back and that recognition will make our day. Little do we ever realize that many a time, the person on the receiving end of the good deed does not really want to take (because of the drive to be indepdendent), and they don't really want to be in the public eye. It is a matter of respect -giving them the respect they deserve. Fantastic insight Mr. Lieberman, something that I will keep with me for a very long time.

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About the Author

Adam Lieberman

Adam Lieberman is a business consultant and who advises executives and companies across a spectrum of industries. He also runs a non-profit foundation which helps Jews of all backgrounds to see the beauty and relevance of their heritage. The insights he receives from the weekly Torah portion enable him to live a happy, meaningful, and balanced life. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and children.

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