“If your brother grows impoverished to a foreigner, redeem him,”states the Torah.
The primary redeemer should be the closest relative. In our lives mothers, fathers sisters and uncles have bailed us out, supported us and given encouragement when we needed it most. This is a mitzvah, a commandment from God. One of our given tasks is to keep in touch with relations. We are bidden to call, write and find out if they are well, what struggles they are having and ease their burden. Equally important is to share their simcha. Our delight at their new child, promotion or new car will mean much to them. Watch their face light up when we tell them how proud we are. Listen for the bubble in their voice when we call to say “mazal tov!”
They need us and we need them.
However, there are times when family is unavailable because they are too preoccupied or indifferent. This is where the Torah makes the next strong point: We are all responsible for and to one another. We need to step in when needed. When there is a baby naming it us our responsibly to come, support and rejoice as an extended family. When a death is announced it is vital that the family not be left to mourn alone. We should never cry or laugh alone.
Everybody wants and needs the support of a community but it will not happen for us unless we step out of our comfort zone and stretch out hands to one another. This is a mitzvah, a commandment from God. And in the process we recreate ourselves, become a blessing to God, one another and ourselves.
