Reply To: Short & Sweet

Mishpatim: Just Passing Through

R’ Chaim Vital (quoted by the Chida in נחל קדומים) makes two interesting observations about the word עברי.

First he explains that a Jewish slave is referred to as an עבד עברי since he was עבר על לא תגנוב, transgressed on the prohibition against theft. This is what led Beis Din to sell this man as a slave.

However, we also find that the title עברי is used positively, like the Navi Yona says about himself: עברי אנכי ואת ה׳ אני ירא. R’ Chaim Vital explains that here עברי refers to one who constantly keeps in mind that they are עובר ארח בעולם הזה דרך עראי, only temporarily passing through in this world.

These two messages seem to be related. If one keeps in mind that they are merely passing through this world, they will be far less tempted to transgress the laws of the Torah and trade eternal reward for temporary comfort or pleasure.

By keeping our sense of priorities, we can ensure that we do not become an עבד עברי, one controlled by a lust for the things of this world. Rather, we can be somebody who has their eyes on the eternal prize, and can declare: עברי אנכי ואת ה׳ אלקי השמים אני ירא.

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