The children of two respectable families in London got engaged. The buzz in the streets is that this wedding will be over the top. The father of the bride sent a telegram to each of his children and asked them to reserve a specific date for the wedding in three months’ time. Two of his children lived in France; one was very successful and the other not at all. The father sent a separate letter to his wealthy son to not spare any expense, and to purchase only the best to celebrate the wedding. The father added that everything his son spends in honor of his father would be reimbursed, but he must make sure to take care of his brother and family as well.
Upon receiving his father’s letter, the rich brother immediately went on a three-month shopping spree and the excitement mounted. With all the frenzy of purchasing and preparing he forgot to speak to his brother, the poor man, about the upcoming wedding. A day before the wedding, he quickly sent a messenger to his brother to be ready by the port with his family to set sail to England.
The rich brother traveled first class, while the poor brother was in steerage and came in rags, as he had no funds to purchase new clothing.
On the other side of the English Channel, the father waited at the dock for his children to arrive. The older rich son exited the ship with his family, and received a warm welcome. Next, the younger brother embarked from the ship with his family. They were clad in tattered old clothing, with no possessions in sight. The father felt a burning rage towards his wealthy son’s apparent lack of concern for his unfortunate brother. Not wanting to ruin the festive occasion, the father remained silent. He quickly purchased clothing for his poor son, and provided him and his family with everything they need for the wedding.
After the wedding, the affluent son gently reminded his father of his promise to reimburse him and brings a long list of expenses to be paid back. The father insisted that he owes him nothing, and again wished him a safe journey. The son explodes and says, “look at this letter with your hand writing and your signature!” The father explained to his son that it clearly states “all expenses that you will endure for my honor will be reimbursed.” However, the father pointed out, all of your expenses were about you and not me, because if you did it in my honor, you would have dressed your brother as well. The fact that you let him arrive in his tattered clothing just proves that the money you spent was for your own selfish pleasure. This is why you are owed nothing”
The Parasha (Vayikra 25-25) says כי ימוך אחיך ומכר מאחוזתו... The Medrash brings proofs from the scriptures that when a person takes care of the downtrodden, Hashem will pay his bill. We also find the Talmud in Tractate Baitza 16a states that all of a person’s financial needs are established and put into place from Rosh Hashana to Rosh Hashana except for the month of תשרי. The Talmud explains that if one doesn’t have money for the expenses of Shabbat and Yom Tov he can “borrow on my account and I (Hashem) will repay all the debt.” What is the action that one can do to indicate that all of his expenses and the loans that he took are indeed for the honor of Shabbat and Yom Tov? If he takes care of his brother and did not only think of his own personal needs, that demonstrates that all was purchased in honor of Hashem, and will surely be repaid.
May we all merit that our actions will be a source of nachat to our Father in heaven. Amen.
