Thinking Torah Blog

This week’s Torah portion, Ki Teitzei, is filled with mitzvot that focus on the relationships between people, and even between people and animals. While many commandments in the Torah guide us in our relationship with God, this portion shifts the focus to our responsibility towards others. There are some beautiful teachings here. For instance, we’re told, “If you see your neighbor’s ox or donkey wandering, you must take it back to your neighbor.” The Torah emphasizes that we must “not remain indifferent.” If that mitzvah doesn’t resonate, we’re also instructed that when we build a new house, we must place a fence around the roof (since in ancient times, flat roofs were used as living spaces), to ensure no one falls. These commandments highlight an essential truth: our actions matter, and they carry real consequences for those around us. Moreover, we must be proactive and consider how what we do affects the people around us.

As we approach the High Holy Days, I can’t help but reflect on this teaching in our daily lives. Each time I step into the office, I’m reminded of the dedication and care of our staff. They field calls, assist with countless tasks, and go above and beyond to support not only the other staff and me but also each of you. They are not just providing a service—they are an integral part of our sacred community. Just as Ki Teitzei reminds us that how we treat others matters, so too should we remember the impact of our everyday actions. In the coming days, I encourage all of us to take a moment to express gratitude to them for their hard work and dedication. Let’s remember the mitzvah of kindness and acknowledge how much they do for our community.