Mattos - Masei 5786 – But they’re crazy!

Often in life, we find ourselves having to justify our actions to those around us. Why were we late? Why didn’t we do what was asked of us? What was this decision based on?

Do we always have to explain ourselves to everyone? Who cares what other people think?

When the tribes of Reuven and Gad wanted to settle in Transjordan rather than live in Eretz Yisrael proper, Moshe rebuked them and set out a path whereby they would be “clean before both Hashem and man” (32:22).

From here, Chazal learn that a person must always be careful to avoid even the suspicion of wrongdoing. They illustrate this with the steps taken when the Kohen would handle public funds: he would carry nothing on his person in which money could be concealed, and he would even speak continuously, lest he hide something in his mouth.

How far does this go?

R’ Shlomo Alkebetz, in Shoresh Yishai (his commentary on Megillas Rus, 3:11), makes a striking observation. When Boaz discovers that Rus has entered his threshing floor at night, he confronts her. Upon understanding that her intentions are pure, he promises that “all that you say I will do, for all the people of the gate know that you are a woman of valor.”

Onkelos translates “people of the gate” as the Sanhedrin. R’ Alkebetz points out that although Boaz, in marrying a Moabite woman, was undertaking a controversial act, he was concerned only with the judgment of the Sanhedrin—not with what the layman might think. From here he derives that being “clean” does not extend to those who lack the understanding to properly evaluate the depth and value of Torah.

When dealing with government agencies in Israel, people often become frustrated because they feel misunderstood. My advice is always the same: never assume competence or prior knowledge in any interaction. Sometimes, you really do have to deal with people who simply don’t understand.

For any crazy government related or other financial issues you require assistance with please reach out at [email protected].

Good Shabbos.