The Booty Was a Loan:
Rav Moshe of Lelov zy”a explains that the reason Hashem told Moshe that the people should borrow the gold and silver vessels, rather than taking them outright, was so that they should be “in debt” to the Egyptians and, thereby, they would be afraid to ever return to Egypt because of their debt.
The Ropshitzer Rebbe zy”a famously said that if you bump into a rich man who enjoys talking on and on, but you have no patience to listen to him, the best idea is to ask him for a donation. From then on, he will cross the street whenever he notices you coming his way. So too, if you want to avoid an annoying poor man, the best thing to do is to lend him money. From then on, he will always make sure to stay away from you so that he doesn’t have to pay you back.
More in this printout
- Hints to All MoadimRav Boruch of Mezhibozh explains how the Parshios from Bo to Ki Sisa contain thematic hints to all the Jewish holidays, from Pesach through Purim.
- The Plague of Being Unable to See One's FriendRav Yaakov Emanuel Koppel explains that the plague of darkness represents the spiritual failure of being unable to see and respond to the needs of one's fellow.
- The Tzedakah One Gives Speaks on His BehalfA teaching from Rav Meir of Premishlan on how every piece of bread given to the poor advocates for a person in Heaven, followed by a miraculous story of rescue.
- Today, Chesed is The Main ThingRav Elimelech of Lizhensk explains that since the era of the Arizal, the pillar of gemilus chasadim has become the primary foundation for the world's existence.
- The Treasure of BitachonExplore the Lisker Rebbe's insight on why Bnei Yisroel borrowed Egyptian gold, revealing that true wealth lies in bitachon rather than material possessions.
- One Who Trusts in Hashem Merits Receiving His ChesedExplore how bitachon (trust in Hashem) directly influences Divine kindness, featuring insights from the Magid of Mezheritch and the Chozeh of Lublin.
- Animals Want to be Fed by HashemThe Tiferes Shlomo explains Tehillim 104:21, suggesting that lions roar in complaint because they would prefer to receive food from Hashem like herbivorous cows
- Emunah is a Segulah for a Long LifeDiscover how emunah and bitachon serve as a segulah for longevity, featuring insights from the Tiferes Shlomo and the Kotzker Rebbe on Chavakuk 2:4.
- Rapidly Ascending From Idol Worshippers to Lofty HeightsDiscover how Rav Dovid of Lelov inspired Dr. Bernard's transformation and why the transition from idol worship to holiness can happen in an instant.
- Hashem Skipped Our OpeningRav Boruch of Mezhibozh explains how Hashem skipped the requirement for our initial effort during the Exodus from Egypt because Bnei Yisrael were at a low level