This week we read two portions, Acharei and Kedoshim. In the portion of Kedoshim we find the mitzva (commandment) of making and keeping honest measuring tools.
This mitzva applies whether measuring weight, dry measure, or liquid. It is forbidden to make or have in your possession inaccurate measuring tools, even if you have no intention to use them. After this mitzva is commanded, G-d declares, “I Am G-d your G-d who took you out of Egypt.” What is the connection, between honest weights and measures, and the exodus from Egypt?
Another question, why is it a sin to merely own them, even if you have no intention to use them?
Rashi explains that G-d took us out of Egypt so that we can be a paragon of honesty in business dealings. As well, just as G-d discerned in Egypt who is a first born and who is not; similarly He discerns if someone falsifies his weights or is dishonest in business.
But there is a deeper reason. False weights and measures are the tools of the evil inclination.
The evil inclination doesn’t tell you to steal or rob. You would never go for that. First he says, “What is so bad about owning false weights? You would never use them.” Then he goes a step further. “What is the big deal about using them? They are just a drop inaccurate.” And step by step he drags you down until he’s made a thief out of you.
Owning false weights and measures are the first steps. It is the beginning of dishonesty, though no action was done with them. They represent ill intent and bad choices, the prelude to dishonesty. And this is where Egypt comes in. Though G-d decreed that the Jewish people would suffer by the hands of the Egyptians, each Egyptian had free choice to bring suffering upon or not to oppress the Jews.
The Jewish people would have been oppressed without their involvement. It was each individual Egyptian’s bad choice or evil intent to heap suffering upon a Jew and that is why the Egyptian was ultimately punished by G-d. It all begins with ill intent and bad choices. After commanding us to use honest weights and measures, G-d declares, “I took you out of Egypt, the place of ill intentions and bad choices. I want you to be better than them. I want you to be a beacon of goodness and honesty. That is why I took you out of Egypt.” Honesty is the basis for the mitzvot and defines us as G-d’s people. To dispel dishonesty, we need to first dispel ill intent and bad choices. Get rid of bad influences and temptations. You will find it liberating, like a weight removed from your shoulders.
Honesty in business and with your acquaintances, is how you influence them to want to be more like you and to follow in G-d’s ways. Additionally, by connecting honesty with the exodus from Egypt, G-d gives us a clear indication that honesty is a prerequisite to bringing the future redemption.
May it come soon.
Adapted by Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz from the teachings of the Rebbe, yitzihurwitz.blogspot.com. Rabbi Hurwitz, who is battling ALS, and his wife Dina, are emissaries of the Rebbe in Temecula, Ca.
