And Justice For All

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And Justice For All

G-d is the Avi Yesomim (father of orphans) and the Dayan Almanos (judge of the widows). He is there for those who are in need. When a child looses his father, he should remember that G-d is his father, he watches over him and is concerned about his welfare. Likewise, the widow is not alone and he sees to it that those who oppress her will pay. When you oppress the widow, the orphan, or any downtrodden person, be prepared to suffer the wrath of G-d: It happened in a small community in Egypt, where two Jewish businessmen, Raphael and Asael, succeeded in developing a tremendously successful import-export business. They were friends who had the greatest respect, love, and admiration for one another. No one would have ever believed that anything could ever happen that would tarnish that friendship. At least, it seemed that way. Raphael had to go on a business trip to purchase goods for their business. He had taken a boat to Europe with the intention of bringing back some dry goods. On his return to Egypt, a terrible storm struck the boat. The boat’s crew fought long and hard to save the vessel, but it was a lost cause. All aboard eventually drowned. Raphael’s wife was left a bereaved widow with two young daughters to raise.

As soon as the traditional seven day mourning period was over, she went to see her husband’s partner, Asael. Her purpose was to attain what her husband’s part of the business had netted to help her raise her two daughters. Asael refused to give the widow anything but only a mere two weeks worth of food money. He claimed it was all that Raphael had coming. What could she do? There was no Johnny Cochrans back then. So with tears added to insult, she took her daughters and moved away. She supported the three of them by cleaning homes for the rich people. The hours were long and backbreaking, but it was all she could do. However, she still kept her faith in G-d and in his justice system. But time marched on for all of them. While Asael’s business continued to greatly prosper, the widow grew older. One would think by the size of his business now, that he was greatly blessed. However, G-D does not forget about the oppressing of an orphan or widow, no matter how many years go by. Suddenly, Asael’s only son became ill.

The illness spread throughout his entire body. He became paralyzed. They consulted the best doctors in the country, but his illness was a mystery to all of them. Shortly, the son died. They could not survive the tragedy. It was their only son, how could their fortune in life turn into this nightmare they wondered? Asael’s wife could not tolerate the pain and agony of the loss of her only child, soon going into a deep, deep depression. Eventually, her heart gave out and she died. It was soon thereafter that Asael, now without the two most precious people in his life, also gave up on life and died. What a terrible end to a story you say? But wait, with no children to inherit his business, it went to his two nephews. They were strong and G-dly men who worked hard in the business. Their assets soon grew enormously. They met two beautiful young women who were both orphaned at a young age and were raised by a G-dly mother. They married them. Yes, they were Raphael’s daughters.

They had finally inherited what was due them long ago. Now their mother could quit working and be well taken care of in her older years. Sometimes, we think G-d has forgotten the bad things we do. But he doesn’t forget and sometimes you pay dearly for your sins. People often think these tragic events just happened helter skelter. Regrettably, we have others who think “they” are the “directors” in this play on life. Those who take this stand, usually end up missing the curtain call. So remember to treat the widows and orphans especially good, or watch out! Shalom