This week’s Torah portion, Vaetchanan, tells of the cities of refuge that Moses, under G-d’s command, designated to shelter someone who had killed unintentionally and to protect him from the avenger of blood.
The roads leading to these cities were made very wide, and at every intersection a sign was placed that read “Refuge, Refuge,” so that the person fleeing could easily find his way and save his life.
There is also a spiritual “city of refuge” in life – the Torah. It protects the Jew from the evil inclination. Just as large signs were required to direct those in need toward the cities of refuge, so too in spiritual life, we must go out into the streets, to Jews who stand confused and unsure of where to turn, and guide them toward the Torah so that they may save their souls.
Taking Initiative
However, there is a difference between the physical signs pointing toward the cities of refuge and the spiritual work. The physical signs stood in one place, took no initiative, and only if someone noticed them and could read and reflect on the message, would he then know which way to go. But in spiritual matters, we must take initiative and make an effort to rescue a Jew and direct him to Torah.
A Jew might act like a passive signpost. He may be willing to help someone who turns to him, but he himself will not lift a finger on his own to save a fellow Jew. From his perspective, it's enough that he shows ‘self-sacrifice’ by simply being willing to stand at the “crossroads.” If someone approaches, he’s ready to direct him to Torah – but no more than that.
Going Out and Inspiring Others
Chassidic teachings shows us that it’s not enough to just "stand"; a Jew must be a "mover" – filled with life and warmth. He shouldn’t wait for another Jew to come ask for help. As soon as he sees he can assist someone, he runs to him and shows him the way to “refuge.”
This approach characterizes the leaders of Chassidut, beginning with the Baal Shem Tov. They didn’t wait for Jews to come to them of their own accord. Instead, they traveled to Jewish towns, cities, and villages, going out to awaken the hearts of their fellow Jews to G-d, His Torah, and Divine service.
The Balance of the Scale
A Jew must always remember the teaching: A person should see himself and the entire world as balanced on a scale. One must see the world as if it stands on the scale in perfect balance; one action can tip the scale to either side. This means that a person’s own fate – and that of future generations – can depend on a single action he takes right now.
When one realizes that the Jewish people – and the whole world – are at this moment hanging in the balance, and that with one act he can tip the scale for the entire world toward merit, he will not be a silent signpost. Instead, he will run with joy and vitality to act and influence another Jew – knowing that through this, he can tip the whole world toward the good.
(from the teachings of the Rebbe, Likkutei Sichot, vol. 2, translated from Sichot HaShevua)
