| "You shall be clean with HaShem and clean with Israel" (Bamidbar 32:22). This verse urges us to conduct all of our dealings with integrity. The Midrash records an incident that illustrates this ideal. Abba Tachanah Chassidah, a great Sage, approached the city gates on Friday afternoon just before sunset. Suddenly, he came upon a sick man lying in the road. The man said, "Please, Rabbi do me a favor and carry me into the city." Abba Tachanah Chassidah thought to himself, If I leave my groceries here, how will I provide for my family? Yet, if I leave this poor man, I will be accountable for his life. He put down his groceries and carried the helpless man into the city. He then ran back to retrieve his packages just as the last rays of sun were fading. He feared that perhaps he had desecrated Shabbos. HaShem caused the sun to shine a little longer, and a voice from Heaven proclaimed, "Your deeds were performed correctly, and you will receive your just reward in the World to Come. When we are faced with a moral dilemma, the Torah gives us the resolve to overcome our inner struggle and do the right thing. HaShem will ultimately bless our efforts in this world, as well as the eternal World to Come.
(1) When you are faced with a moral conflict, remember that even Abba Tachanah Chassida had to struggle with himself to do the right thing. (2) Weigh the two options facing you and decide what is the right and moral thing to do. (3) Reflect on the verse, " "You shall be clean with HaShem and clean with Israel." (4) Be encouraged and do the right thing. (5) Trust that HaShem will bless you for your action in this world as well as the World to Come. (Based on Kohelles Raba 9:1)
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