Hi,
“Do not cheat your neighbor. Do not steal”. (Leviticus, 19:13)
So far so good.
If you were into those things?
You probably wouldn’t be reading the Torah Minute!
But if someone provides services for us and payment is due upon completion of the job?
There it’s little easier to slip up.
“Oh I’m sorry. The check is in the mail.”
(People usually say that after returning from the mail box before returning the call!)
The Torah says no!
We have to pay on that day. It’s coming to them.
And pushing it off is right up there with stealing!
… Thank G-d we’re probably the most affluent Jewish community in history.
We don’t have many of the challenges of earlier generations.
And we don’t ask the same questions.
Like what if a person only has enough money for Chanukah candles or Shabbat candles?
But not both!
The Talmud says that Shabbat candles come first.
Because they create a peaceful and joyful atmosphere in the home.
What we call “Shalom Bayit.”
And even Chanukah candles are not as important as peace in the home!
Or what about this one?
Someone does work for me on Friday. And wants payment.
But if I pay him?
I won’t have money for my Shabbat chicken!
The answer?
I have to pay him on time.
And eat sardines on Shabbat!
… We should thank G-d that we don’t have these kinds of questions.
But the answers should get us thinking.Like next time we’re about to “loose it” at home?
And cause friction, tension and hurt feelings?
We should remember.
Peace at home is more important than Chanukah candles!
Or if we find ourselves thinking, “He can wait a few days. I’ll send him a check.”
We should remember.
Paying on time is more important than chicken for Shabbat!
All the best,