E Mussar - Sabedoria para o Crescimento Pessoal: SF

terça-feira, 4 de março de 2025

SF - Reach Out to Your Brother

"You shall not see your brother's ox or his sheep or goat straying far away and ignore them; you shall surely return them to your brother" (Devarim 22:1).

This verse emphasizes the responsibility of returning a lost animal, even when it is found far from home. One might assume that we are only required to return a neighbor's lost animal if we find it close to its original location. However, the verse specifically states, "you shall not see the ox of your brother straying far away," highlighting that our obligation extends beyond proximity. We must make a significant effort to reunite a neighbor's lost sheep with its owner, regardless of how far it has wandered. The Torah teaches us to care about our friends' material possessions.

This principle applies even more so to every Jewish soul that has strayed from the path of observance. We must show mercy and compassion for those individuals, working to lovingly guide them back to the practice of Torah, even if it requires considerable effort on our part. Many non-observant individuals today may not have had the opportunity to learn about Judaism. They are like lost sheep who do not know how to return to their flock. Therefore, it is a great mitzvah to have compassion for them and to show them the way to goodness.

Today: We should approach all our fellow Jews with kindness and understanding. Even if they are far from observance, we should reach out to them with sensitivity, joy, and love. Consider inviting them to your home for Shabbat so they can experience the beauty of our holy Torah.

(Based on the commentary of the Chofetz Chaim)