We often think of great scholars, perhaps, or those who dedicate their lives to prayer. But Jewish tradition sometimes surprises us.
The Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal interpretations on the Book of Deuteronomy, shines a light on an unexpected group: charity trustees. Yes, those who manage and distribute charitable funds. Why them?
The text states, "and they that turn the many to righteousness." R. Shimon b. Menassia takes this to heart, offering a powerful interpretation. He points to Judges 5:31: "and His lovers, like the sun emerging in its strength." Who is greater, he asks? Those who love God, or those who cause others to love Him?
Think about it. It's one thing to have a personal connection, a deep devotion. But to inspire that love in others, to draw them closer to the Divine – that's something truly special. So, according to R. Shimon b. Menassia, those who cause God to be beloved by others are even greater than those who simply love Him. And if they are like the sun emerging in its strength, how much more so are the charity trustees, who facilitate acts of loving-kindness and inspire faith in the community?
It's a radical thought, isn't it? That actively working to improve the world, to care for the needy, is a higher calling than even the most fervent personal piety.
The Sifrei Devarim doesn't stop there. It continues, "and they that turn the many to righteousness (will shine) as the stars forever." This imagery of shining like stars is rich with meaning. The text unpacks it, one layer at a time.
Just as the stars are high and exalted above all mortals, so are the righteous. Their actions and character elevate them, setting them apart as beacons of light. And just as the light of the stars can be seen from one end of the world to the other, so too does the influence of the righteous extend far beyond their immediate surroundings. Their impact resonates globally, across generations.
The text also notes, "just as the stars are sometimes revealed and sometimes concealed, so, the righteous." Even the most righteous among us have their moments of doubt, their times of struggle. Righteousness isn't about perfection; it's about striving, even when we stumble.
And then comes this beautiful line: "Just as there are innumerable 'coteries' of stars, so, there are innumerable coteries of the righteous." There isn't one single path to righteousness. There are countless ways to make a difference, countless communities of people dedicated to good.
But the text also offers a stark warning: "If Israel do the will of the L-rd, they are like the stars; if not, they are like the dust." Our actions have consequences. When we align ourselves with goodness, with justice, with compassion, we shine brightly. But when we stray from that path, we risk being scattered and lost, like dust in the wind. The passage references II Kings 13:7, saying, "for the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust for threshing." This isn't just about individual behavior, but about the collective choices of the community.
So, what does it all mean? Perhaps it’s a reminder that righteousness isn't confined to the synagogue or the study hall. It’s found in the everyday acts of kindness, in the commitment to helping others, and in the tireless work of those who dedicate themselves to the well-being of the community. It's a call to action, to choose to be stars, to shine brightly, and to inspire others to do the same. Are we living up to that potential?