Timeless Torah

There is no group more entitled to borrow that famous motto from the Marines, “We are the proud, the few,” than Jewish parents who make real sacrifices so that their children can have the best in Jewish education. Interestingly enough, a careful reading of this week’s Biblical portion, which tells of other parents, reveals that this non-homogeneous society consisting of Jewish fathers and mothers is indeed suited for the role of G-d’s front line soldiers.
This Shabbat we will hear the Torah lay down the law that would be converts from the ancient tribes of Ammon and Moav were not accepted because they not only failed to practice elementary hospitality, but that they also engaged the services of Moses’ nemesis, the professional sorcerer Bilaam, to curse the Israelites.
The commentaries wonder at the strange combination of these two above-mentioned offenses. Think of it this way. “This fellow is not only a lousy host; he’s a notorious murderer as well!” The Dubner Maggid explains that when Ammon and Moav refused to extend aid to a people wandering and hungry in the desert, they could have pleaded poverty. However, this excuse is obviated by their willingness to spend a fortune in hiring the world-renown and greedy Bilaam. In fact, if money were the true issue, it would have been far cheaper to feed the Jews than satisfy the expensive tastes of master magician Bilaam.
It is sad enough to witness this malady affect modern and enlightened government which spends extravagantly on wasteful pork barrel programs while pinching pennies on essential services. But when this disease of the soul enters into the ranks of our co-religionists and the exact same symptoms strikes many of our contemporaries, then it is necessary to praise, “The proud and the few” that buck the tide.
Who doesn’t know friends or neighbors who refuse to donate to a worthy cause arguing they don’t have extra money lying around. And yet these very same individuals will not bat an eyelash when they spend a hundred dollars or more on a momentary gratification be it a fancy dinner or an evening’s entertainment.
To complicate matters this affliction has many variations. Some of these are easy to spot. One glaring example is the parent who has no time to spend helping their child with their homework, but can watch a sports game for four hours running. Another is the fellow who has no money for a pair of kosher tefillin but his latest gadget can pay for a small Bar Mitzvah.
This is simply the modern version of Ammonism and Moavism. This is a sin many are guilty of. We can always blame it on misplaced priorities or a lack of knowledge. But not to acknowledge those who spend significant percentages of their income for Jewish education and many of their evenings reviewing their youngster’s homework is to diminish their quiet heroism.
Over the years we have mentioned the story of the benevolent banker who offered a truly unique promotion. Each and every morning this banker was willing to place into your account the sum of $1,440. This was no scheme, no scam, and there were no expected paybacks. You could utilize the money in whatever fashion you saw fit, either to invest it or spend it. The only condition was that whatever monies had not been put to use and had sat in the account languishing, would be removed from your balance and returned to the banker.
Notwithstanding the fact that the following day, as well as day number three, and day number four, etc., your account would be credited with $1,440, of one thing we are certain, not a day would go by without you spending every possible penny.
Now if you are wondering how come I’ve heard of this exciting giveaway and you haven’t, think again. The banker is G-d. The figure of 1,440 is the number of minutes we receive each and every single day of our lives. And the time we frivolously waste on so much of our pettiness is truly inexcusable.
This then is the message of this week’s Parsha. Don’t tell G-d you had no time. First and foremost, He has all the accountants on His side and they’ve been tracking your schedule. Second, He might just decide to help you from saying an untruth and reduce your allotment.