No Abusers

Shavua Tov-

We learn an important principle from the story of the Flood. Despite the numerous sins of that generation, the one that sealed their fate, was the sin of robbery.

Many transgressions are between man and G-d, and the individual sinner is only hurting himself. This would certainly be true regarding idol worship.

Robbery has a victim, where the thief causes much grief to that victim. We learn from here that there is Divine wrath against those who harm the defenseless. This is particularly true regarding the orphan, convert, and the widow.

In the case of the widow, the Torah tells us that if we do mistreat the widow, our sons will become orphans, and our wives will become widows.

Rabbi Twerski used this commentary to cry out against cases of abused wives by husbands who were prominent members of the community. He felt that these aggressors were protected and the women’s cries were not being heard.

Subjects like this as well as cases of rabbis who abuse their students, are similarly not being dealt with fairly, according to Rabbi Twerski.

If so called religious Jews would take the Torah’s message, seriously, it would put a stop to all kinds of abuse. There would be a public outrage, and the aggressors would be brought to justice, regardless of their high position.