Close To Torah

This weeks Parsha demonstrates the idea of “measure for measure” in several places. In order to prevent negative consequences to his nation for his cruel plans, Pharaoh tried to outsmart Hashem (Shemos 1:10). The Maam Loez explains the logic behind the pitiless plan to throw all male born Jews into the Nile River; they decided that the best way to deal with the Jews is through water. After the great flood, Hashem vowed never again to flood the earth. It was upon this oath that they relied on when enacting the decree.  He assumed that if they would use other means, Hashem would exact revenge upon them. However, if they used water they would be safe. Since Hashem works out reward and punishment measure for measure they would be saved from his wrath. Their mistake was that the promise referred to the world as a whole, and not single nations.

Pharaoh had three advisors to whom he turned in dealing with the Jews: Bilam, Iyov, and Yisro. Each one played a role, and was duly paid back through the justice of the ultimate judge. Bilam advised negative advice, to which Pharaoh heeded. He was punished with execution by sword. Iyov remained silent when asked what to do with the Jews. It was decided that he would be plagued with terrible suffering. Yisro advised that the Jews should be left in peace. He was rewarded for his actions, and his future children sat in the Lishkas Hagazis in the temple.

A more recent example that illustrates the idea of reward and punishment being repaid measure for measure was said over by R’ Pesach Khron at a recent Agudah convention. There is a wedding hall in Jerusalem that has two ballrooms. One is a bit fancier then the other. The two were booked for a certain date. The person who requested the hall second, really wanted the fancier hall which had already been booked. She called up the first family, asking if they would be willing to switch. At first, her favor was declined. Several days later as a gesture of kindness, the bride who had the nicer hall decided to switch with the second bride. A week before the wedding, someone called up the hall owner, explaining that he would like to sponsor the costs of someone’s wedding. He assumed that the family making their wedding in the simpler hall needed the money more, and donated the funds to them. It just happened to be the same date of these two brides.

We see that Hashem leaves no stone unturned. Whatever a person’s actions are, somewhere along the way they will meet up with him. Hashem is a just king. If a person is deserving of punishment there is nothing a person can say or do to escape. On the other hand if a person is deserving of reward, then one way or another it will reach its address. Therefore it is fitting for a person to concentrate all his efforts on serving Hashem to the best of his abilities. He should jump at every opportunity to perform good deeds, and devote every free moment to the study of Torah. His efforts will surely not go unnoticed.

Food For thought:

A wise man once said “It is good to be open-minded, but take care that your brain does not fall out of your head.”

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