Ki-Teitzei
"Guardrails"
While the subject sounds more like it should be coming in an email from Ikea, it is actually a topic of discussion in this week’s Torah portion:
“If you build a new house, you shall make a fence for your roof, so that you will not place blood in your house if a fallen one falls from it”.
The verse seems short and to the point, a simple commandment to ensure that your possessions – in this case your home - does not cause harm, albeit inadvertently, to others.
Yet, the wording of the verse seems awkward. In describing the potential accident victim who may fall, the term “Nofel” – literally “fallen one” is used. Why would the Torah call a potential accident victim "fallen one", when falling is exactly what we're hoping to avoid?
In his commentary, the "Tzror Hamor", Rabbi Avraham Sabba*, gives us a very pertinent explanation with a timely message.
The commandment to build a guardrail, to place a safeguard around our physical domain, is also a commandment to us as individuals in our personal life.
We all face challenges on a consistent basis. Our life’s work and the mission we are given from G‑d is to overcome them, constantly navigating the obstacle course ahead.
There are times we come dangerously close to the edge, and it is then we are instructed to create fences, to distance ourselves from difficult circumstances where we know we don’t belong.
Here is where the terminology in our verse becomes clear: even in situations where we may even view ourselves as already having fallen, it is never too late to create fences and borders. There is always the possibility of Teshuva, returning to G‑d, and having another opportunity to make the right choice.
We can never give up; we always have another chance.
The current month of Elul, as we get ready for the Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, is a time especially designated for Teshuva. May we all merit to capitalize on this time, ushering in a sweet New Year together!
Shabbat Shalom
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*Rabbi Avraham Sabba was a Torah scholar who resided in Portugal from the year 1492. His son, Rabbi Yitzchak Sabba, was the father-in-law of the famous Rabbi Joseph Karo, author of the Shulachan Aruch.
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.