Help the Blind
Galus-exile is a time of disrupted Shalom Bayis- Domestic Peace. It is caused by spiritual blindness. Moshiach will open our eyes to see the G-dly and goodly in everything and everyone. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM
Who Would Try To Trip a Blind Person?
Blindness is a dreaded impairment. Every civilized society recognized the need to help the blind. It comes, therefore, as a surprise that in this week’s Torah portion the Torah finds it necessary to admonish us” Before the blind you shall not place any stumbling blocks.”
Who, in his right mind, would get his amusement by watching a blind person stumble over a piece of wood placed in his way? What kind of maniac would do such a dastardly thing and desist because of the Torah’s commandment not to do so? In short, why is there a need for such a commandment?
When Does G-d Give Us Commands?
With respect to other commandments, by contrast, where there is a natural inclination to violate, one ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM needs to be told to overcome the temptation and resist the urge to steal or commit adultery, to cite two common examples. But, to put a stumbling bock before the blind?
It is axiomatic that the Torah only commands us to do things that we would not necessarily have done or desisted from without the Tora’s command. Because of our animal nature and evil impulse we are prone to do things that are immoral and have to be told to desist. Likewise, because of our tendency to be lazy we may not do what is right because it goes against our nature. We therefore have to be commanded to do it. But, things that come natural we do not have to be commanded. For example, nowhere does the Torah tell us to breathe, eat, love our children etc.
Figurative Explanation
Our sages, anticipating this question, cite the oral tradition that explains this law figuratively: Do not incorrectly advise an unsuspecting person. Even if the advice is sound and rational for yourself, if it is bad advice for another don’t give it.
ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM
Alternatively, our sages explain, this commandment is intended to prevent people from causing others to violate the law.
There are people who would never overtly cause any harm to another, because they are concerned with the reaction of others. Many people with malice in their hearts therefore attempt to harm others, but they do it by concealing their real intentions. They sound as if they wish to give helpful advice, knowing that it would be harmful to that individual.
Because this type of evil cannot be detected by other people, the Torah exhorts this individual “And you shall fear G-d.” Realize that you cannot hide your intentions, sweet words notwithstanding, from G-d.
Spiritual Blindness
There is yet one more dimension of this commandment. Blindness is also a metaphor for lack of awareness and knowledge. This metaphor has been used Biblically to describe those who do not see G-d’s presence in this world and in their lives. Anyone who is objective — and has not been blinded by self interest and other biases — sees Divine providence in all that happens. But there are ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM those who do not see Divinity in this world because there are stumbling blocks.
A stumbling block is a metaphor for the various objects and ideals that we glorify and deify. For some it is money, for others it is glory and power. Either way they help tarnish our ability to see the reality of existence in an objective and unhampered fashion.
When you see a Jew whose ability to see G-d’s presence in this world, is hindered, or if you see people who cannot see the needs of others, because they are so ego-centric, do not put a stumbling block before them. This means do not enhance their misguided sense of ego, but be honest with them. When there are no stumbling blocks and all biases and prejudices are removed, then everyone naturally sees the presence of G-d and the needs of others.
Lighting Shabbos Candles
One of the reasons given by our Sages for the lighting of Shabbos candles is to prevent stumbling over some sticks and stones. Stumbling over them could cause discord in the home and disrupt the cherished Sholom Bayis-domestic peace.
ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM
The Rebbe explained that “sticks and stones” are metaphors for all the things that we idolize during the week. Shabbos candle lighting illuminates our homes and our lies and prevents us from spiritual blindness.
Without the light of Shabbos and the ensuing stumbling over the sticks and stones our Shalom Bayis with G-d and others can be undermined.
Messianic Age: Removal of all Stumbling Blocks
The Shabbos candles we light now are a prelude to and model of the ultimate Messianic Age Shabbos. It is characterized as the age when all of these stumbling blocks will be removed, so that each of us can see G-d and each other. When our eyes are open we will see the G-dliness and good in everything and everyone.
This will engender respect and love for one another in consonance with the dictate mentioned in this week’s Torah portion: “Love your fellow as yourself.” The reason for the disunity in the present period of exile is because the “sticks and stones” are strewn about and we can easily stumble over them.
ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM
Moshiach will remove the stumbling blocks to the reality of G-d and His commandments and perfect Shalom Bayis will prevail.
ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM
From the book Light from the Future: Parshas Acharei-Kedoshim by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.
