~~~~~D’Var Torah – Parshas Emor ~~~~~
When we reap our harvest, the Torah commands us to leave some of the crops remaining in the field, so that the poor can gather them for themselves. We can never become so wrapped up in our business or careers that we forget our responsibility to protect the lives and well being of others. We must realize that this is why Hashem gave us the resources that we have as the following true story illustrates:
As soon as Rabbi Aharon Kotler escaped to the United States at the beginning of the Second World War, he established the famous wartime Vaad Hatzalah (Rescue Committee) which all through the war kept alive many refugees in Europe, Russia, and Shanghai. Rabbi Kotler went to the American Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Henry Morgenthau, a Jew, and asked for his assistance.
Accompanied by an interpreter, Mr. Irving Bunim, to translate his Yiddish into English, Rabbi Kotler pleaded to Mr. Morgenthau for government cooperation in the rescue work.
“If I am seen to favor my Jewish brethren, I will soon be out of office,” said Mr. Morgenthau.
To this Rav Aharon told the interpreter to reply: “Saving Jewish lives is more important than holding even twenty positions like yours.”
At first the interpreter refused to translate these words. Noticing the argument, Mr. Morgenthau insisted that he be told what Rabbi Kotler had said, and the interpreter acquiesced. Rabbi Kotler’s reply so impressed him that he said, “If so, I will do my utmost and face the consequences.”
As it turned out, Mr. Morgenthau’s efforts proved invaluable in setting up the War Refugee Board, and he continued in office until after the death of President Roosevelt, who had appointed him.