Ekev 2021
Isaac’s Parsha Corner · 2021
“Behold G-d owns all heaven and earth and all that are contained therein. Only in your forefathers did G-d express His desire and His love. He then chose you who are their children from among all the nations to this day. And you shall remove that which covers your hearts. Do not remain stiff necked anymore! For G-d is the G-d of all gods (judges – Unkulus) the master of all other masters (kings – Unkulus), the G-d who is almighty and fearsome who shows no favors and takes no bribes. He conducts justice for the widow and the orphan and loves the “Ger” (convert/stranger) to provide for his food and clothing. And you shall in turn love the ‘Ger” because you were a “Ger” in the land of Mitzrayim. (Deut 10:14-19)
Regarding the “Ger” the pasuk states in Mishpatim, “You shall neither taunt nor oppress a “Ger” because you were “Gerim” in Mitzrayim.” (Ex 22:20)
Rashi quotes the Talmud, “If you taunt him his response will be that you are no better having been the “Ger” (stranger) in Mitzrayim.” Rashi’s definition of the “Ger’ is anyone from a foreign country namely an immigrant. The difficulty with Rashi is that the definition of Ger namely outsider is usually limited to converts. They could be either fully converted Jewish or a more limited conversion from idol worshipper to an observer of the seven Noachite laws.
We recall Moshe’s choice of the name of his first born. “And he named him Gershom for I was a Ger in a foreign land.” (Ex. 2:22) The pasuk does not specify which land. Some suggest he was referring to Midyan, while others think Egypt. The Ohr Hachayim suggests the estrangement was from G-d. Had Moshe been with his people in Egypt he would have been closer to G-d through his connection to the nation of Israel.
From our Parsha it seems clear that the requirements associated with the treatment of the Ger are connected to imitating G-d behavior. He loves the Ger and so should you. The forefathers were beloved because they were the ultimate outsiders. They came from another country and worshipped an unfamiliar deity. It matters not that the Ger is a total convert, a partial convert, or merely a newcomer the Ger needs our love. Sometimes we have ideas that are different and place us outside the traditional way of thinking. That person would be an intellectual Ger and needs our love and acceptance as well.
The next pasuk in our Parsha says “You shall fear and worship G-d and you shall cleave to him” (Deut 10:20) The Talmud asks, “How can a flesh and blood human cleave to a spiritual creator? Answers the Talmud, “copy His ways, as He is merciful so shall you be etc.” To love and respect the stranger, the outsider, the foreigner is to be like G-d.
Dedicated to the memory of Joel Shulman A’H