WHAT IS MINE ISN’T MINE – WHAT WAS MINE IS MINE

Parashat Naso
Sivan 11, 5781 / May 21-22, 2021
Torah: Numbers 4:21-7:89
Haftarah: Judges 13:2-25
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WHAT IS MINE ISN’T MINE – WHAT WAS MINE IS MINE
 
"Each person's holy things shall be his; whatever a person gives to the priest, it shall be his." Numbers 5:10

The intent here is probably that a person donates his/her own stuff, and then it belongs to the priest to whom it was given. But, as always, our Rabbis read more into the Torah.
 
The Talmud (Berakhot 63a), citing this verse, suggests that one who does not donate to the sanctuary ultimately ends up needy, while one who does donate becomes wealthy. There are several ways to look at this. One might read the Talmud literally – what goes around comes around; it also says that for the one who donates, "much money will be his" (they are talking about more than tax breaks!). Perhaps the Talmud is referring to spiritual need and wealth - the failure to give results in spiritual emptiness but donating creates spiritual fulfillment. 
 
Rabbi Y.Y. Tronk of Kutno (Poland, 1821-1893) says that a miser is not the master of his money; only someone who is willing to part with his money is the master of it. Only by giving it away does he show that the money is "his"; i.e., it is under his control. Of course, the ability to give up that which is permitted and desirable demonstrates self-control as well.
 
Thus, the verse may be read as: “A person’s holy things will be for his benefit; so that which he gives to the priest benefits the giver.” Tithes become holy when they are set aside, but do not impart their holiness, do not benefit either donor or donee, until they are actually donated.

Judaism does not prohibit the accumulation of wealth, nor does it require self-denial. But it does prohibit the complete retention of wealth and it does require self-control. So, all of the viewpoints are correct. 

When we make donations to our synagogue, we literally make our community wealthier. We also assure that when we require the synagogue to fill our spiritual needs, it will be there for us. Nor can we deny the inner sense of well-being that comes from donating to an institution we believe in, for we are gaining something of value as well. It feels good to know that we are helping to build and maintain something greater than ourselves. Finally, in doing so, we demonstrate that we truly are the masters of ourselves. 
 
Shabbat Shalom!
 
Rabbi Richard A. Flom
Temple B'nai Hayim/Congregation Beth Meier
Blogging at:  http://rav-rich.blogspot.com/ 
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שַׁאֲלוּ שְׁלוֹם יְרוּשָׁלִָם
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem...
Psalms 122:6
... and for peace throughout the Holy Land!
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Candle lighting: 7:34 PM

Shabbat Evening Service with Reb Jason and Rabbi Flom this Friday at 6:30 PM
IN THE SANCTUARY and via Zoom and Facebook. ***See important note above***
 
Shabbat Morning Service with Reb Jason and Rabbi Flom this Saturday at 10:00 AM
IN THE SANCTUARY and via Zoom and Facebook. ***See important note above***
 
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