Friday, October 19, 2007

Why Not ?

When Avram Avinu successfully defeats the armies of the four kings and rescues his nephew Lot, he also rescues much material wealth that had belonged to S'dom. When the king of S'dom invites Avram Avinu to 'help himself' to the spoils Avram Avinu declines rather forcefully, saying that he shall not take even " ... a string or a shoelace ..." from the spoils.

Why not ?

We find that Hashem had promised Avram Avinu great wealth. Wouldn't it seem like Avram Avinu is rejecting Hashem's gift by turning down the king of S'dom ? Moreover, Avram Avinu does accept gifts of substantial wealth from Pharoah and Avimelech, two kings who are no more saints than the king of S'dom.

The key to unlocking this mystery lies in a mishna in Pirkei Avos and an idea presented by Rav Eliyahu Dessler, zatzal.

The Mishna, in the fifth chapter of maseches Avos, gives us an uncommon insight into human character and it's perversion by the people of S'dom. It states; "He who says what's mine is mine and what's yours is yours - is of medium character ( neither righteous nor wicked ) and some say his is the character displayed by the people of S'dom." The simple understanding is of someone who respects other people's property ( and is thusly not wicked ) but has not progressed to the level of righteousness where he sees his own property simply as a means to help others. Beneath that, however, is an understanding of human nature. All people are either givers or takers, says Rav Dessler, and more frequently, combinations of the two. In S'dom - they were strictly takers. They had town ordinances that prevented acts hospitality - because it was antithetical to their philosophy - which was to take. That's why the people of S'dom were so obsessed with ownership - what's mine is mine and what's yours is not yet mine ( otherwise known as yours ).

But possession is not the only way to "take". Sometimes I can actually give but still be taking. If I give you an item but constantly remind you of my largess and use it as a bargaining chip ( "well since I've given you such and such - you should definitely sell your product to me at a discount" etc. etc. ) I have, in fact taken from you and not given to you.

This is why Avram Avinu does not take money from the king of S'dom. If the king of S'dom were giving it outright it would be one thing - but he isn't. He is attempting a classic S'dom move - to gain fame and influence by being known as 'The man who gave Avram Avinu his start'. It is for this reason that Avram Avinu refuses him - True, Hashem promised Avram Avinu great wealth - but Hashem gives and his messengers would do the same.

How do we measure up in our personal interactions ? Are we worthy of being descendants of Avram Avinu ? Or are we, sadly, echoing the philosophies of S'dom ?

Have a great Shabbos ! And Hatzlacha !

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