Parashat Behar
This week's parasha discusses agricultural laws and also commands us to behave responsibly for one's neighbors. One particular verse teaches "Do not deceive one another, but fear your God; for I am the Lord your God." (Lev 25:17)
What does it mean to fear God? We may fear God's power in the world, believing that He sees what we do when we interact with other people. That's the easy part, to correct what others can see, including God. But what about what others cannot see, what we think and feel inside? We wonder if God knows all of our secrets, our deepest darkest thoughts and feelings that we're afraid to share with others. Sometimes it's easier to be honest with other people than it is to be honest with ourselves.
Rabbi Bunum of Pryzscha, a famous Hasidic master, understood this. That is why he explained that this verse from Behar refers to a truly pious person, a hasid. That person does more than the law requires, does more than be honest with others, does more than fears God for seeing what we do out in the world. Rabbi Bunum would say: "Now, this is the law: 'Do not deceive one another, but fear your God; for I am the Lord your God.' A hasid goes beyond the letter of the law; he will not even deceive his own self!"
We must be honest and fair with others. Sometimes it's even harder, and more important, to be honest with ourselves.
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