Devarim 10:17

Because Hashem your G-d is the G-d of g-ds and the Lord of lords the mighty, the great the awesome Who does not show favor and Who does not take bribes.

RASHI

The Lord of lords: Rashi: No master can save you from His hand.

And does not show favor: Rashi : If you throw off [His] yoke

And does not take bribes: Rashi: To appease Him with money.

Let us look at the last Rashi comment on this verse.

What would you ask?

Your Question:

QUESTIONING RASHI

A Question. What does Rashi mean to appease Him with money? Can Hashem take money? Does Hashem need money?

Can you think of an answer?

Your Answer:

UNDERSTANDING RASHI

An Answer: Commentaries have suggested this means giving money to charity or offering a sacrifice (which costs money). They mean that if a man sinned e.g. stole money, and later contributes money to charity I might think he has attoned for his sin . this verse says that G-d does not accept such an atonement.

A DEEPER LOOK

Why is such an act not considered sufficient attonement for his sin. Let's say he stole $100 and then gave $1000 to charity, why wouldn't this be enough attonement?

Can you think of an answer?

Your Answer:

UNDERSTANDING RASHI

An Answer: No atonement helps without teshuva, meaning recognizing one's sin and committing oneself not to do it again. All acts of charity are fine and commendable but are not atonement for one's sin. Teshuva, in the case of stealing, includes first and foremost returning the money to the one he stole from. Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is not a Torah concept.

Shabbat Shalom
Avigdor Bonchek

Avigdor Bonchek has published a new book on Rashi called "Rashi: The Magic and the Mystery" published by Gefen. Look for it at Jewish book stores.

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