The Weekly Shtikle - Shofetim

At the end of this week's parsha, we are taught of the intriguing laws of the eglah arufah. The elders of the city that are required to bring the calf wash their hands over the beheaded animal and declare their innocence, stating that their hands did not shed this blood, nor did they see it. Rashi (21:7) quotes the very well-known exchange from the mishnah (Sotah 45b), "Would we even consider that the sages of the beis din were murderers? Rather, they are stating that they were not guilty of sending him away without food and escort.

The subsequent gemara (46b) extolls the virtues of providing escort as an act whose merit knows no bounds. It is certainly a nice thing. But what is it that makes the act of escorting so great? I heard a beautiful explanation last year from R' Eli Cohen of Baltimore.

First, let us examine the more general charitable act of hachnasas orchim, bringing in of guests. Why is this the name that is chosen? If you provide a meal for a person in need, shouldn't that be titled the feeding of guests? Why do we focus on bringing in? The first mishnah in meseches Shabbos uses the metaphor of the ba'al habayis and the pauper to illustrate the act of carrying from a private domain to a public domain. The walls of the house provide a natural barrier between the homeowner and the poor man for whom he is providing. He can certainly provide a charitable gift without breaking that barrier. But when you bring the needy into your home, you are making quite the significant statement. "I am not simply satisfied with giving you a gift. I want you to come into my domain to become a part of what I have." This brings the charitable act to a whole different level.

Levayah, providing escort, is the flip side of that gracious act. The host can simply remain comfortably in his chair and bid farewell to his guest as he continues on his way. At that moment, the virtual barrier is re-established. Escorting the guest is the "cherry on top," showing that the host insists on keeping that barrier broken. He has invited the guest to share his experience and now, with just a few steps he is sharing in the guest's experience as he leaves.

Have a good Shabbos.

Eliezer Bulka
WeeklyShtikle@weeklyshtikle.com

Shtikle Blog Weekly Roundup:

Weekly Shtikle: Additional Symbolism of the Shofar

Dikdukian: Two of a Kind

Dikdukian: Clean Blood

 

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