| Core Idea
"You shall not wrong a stranger, nor oppress him; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Shemos 22:20). Through this verse, HaShem issues a divine warning: do not exploit the vulnerable—the foreigner, the widow, or the orphan—under the delusion that they are defenseless. Your own history serves as the ultimate proof of My intervention. You were once the helpless slaves, and I was the Witness who saw your tears, heard your cries, and shattered the power of your oppressors. The Ramban emphasizes that because of your history, you possess a unique "emotional intelligence." You know the "soul of the stranger"—the heavy heart and the eyes constantly turned Heavenward. HaShem promises that just as He responded to your cries in Egypt, He remains the eternal Guardian of the downtrodden, ready to intervene against any who abuse their power.
The Moral
Interpersonal dynamics often tempt those in power to mistreat the disadvantaged. However, the Egyptian experience imprints upon the DNA of Klal Yisrael a fundamental truth: no one is truly "helpless" when HaShem is their Advocate. We are commanded to transform our past suffering into a proactive shield for others.
Application Exercises
To move this from a concept to a character trait (Middah), try these three exercises: 1. The "Perspective Pivot" (Cognitive Empathy) Think of a situation where you are the "insider" and someone else is the "outsider" (e.g., a new employee at work, a guest at a Shabbos table, or a person who doesn't speak the local language fluently). - The Action: Before speaking, recall one specific moment in your life when you felt lost, ignored, or "less than."
- The Goal: Use that memory to adjust your tone. Ask yourself: "What is one small thing I can say right now to make this person feel seen and secure?"
2. The "Shield of Speech" (Preventing Verbal Oppression) The Torah specifically warns against "hurting the feelings" (Ona'at Devarim) of the vulnerable. - The Action: Identify a group or individual you find it easy to criticize or speak down to (perhaps service staff, someone with different political views, or a younger sibling).
- The Goal: Commit to a "24-hour silence" on any jokes or comments at their expense. Instead, find one opportunity to offer a genuine word of respect that acknowledges their dignity.
3. The "Moshe Observation" (Active Advocacy) In the Application text, Moshe Rabbeinu did not just feel bad; he acted. - The Action: Scan your immediate environment for a "quiet injustice." Is someone being interrupted in a meeting? Is a child being excluded on a playground? Is a neighbor being spoken about unfairly?
- The Goal: Intervene gently but firmly. Redirect the conversation or include the person who is being pushed out. By doing so, you are emulating the "Hand of HaShem" that rescues the oppressed from those stronger than them.
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