Lift Someone — And Be Lifted Yourself
There are two mitzvos that at first glance seem simple but, upon reflection, reveal something profound. The first involves a person seeing a lost animal wandering, the second is when a person sees a large animal that has fallen on the road. In both cases we are told not to hide yourself from them (Deut. 22:1–4). Instead, we must return the animal to its owner or help lift the animal back up.
There are two layers here. The first is the prohibition to ignore an animal’s suffering, whether it is lost or struggling. Once we overcome the temptation to look away and not be bothered, the second step is the mitzvah to actively help, whether through returning the animal or assisting it. It seems simple enough but Sfas Emes (1847-1905) presents a different perspective.
When the Torah describes a lost animal or a donkey struggling under a load, it is not just teaching about livestock, it is teaching about people. When I notice that someone is lost — spiritually, emotionally, financially — or weighed down under the burdens of life, I am not allowed to look away. I must make it my business to care.
The Sfas Emes (5638) says that when a person trains himself to be sensitive to others, to notice what they lack and what they need, then the Almighty gives that person the ability, the resources, and the strength to actually help. Sometimes we think, who am I to help? I’m neither a Rabbi nor a wealthy person; I don’t have what it takes to help others to alleviate their emotional or financial problems. But, insists the Sfas Emes, this is not true. If we cultivate the sensitivity not to turn away, G-d will provide the necessary knowhow and resources to make a difference. You might not be able to help everyone but if you sincerely are not turning away when you see someone else suffering or in a difficult situation, G-d will find opportunities to help others and give you the resources to do so. But this is not only about helping others, it applies to ourselves as well.
Each of us carries heavy loads and at various points in life we feel lost, broken, weighed down, or simply far from where we would like to be. Here too the Torah warns not to look away from your personal struggles; don’t ignore your inner burdens. If you acknowledge them honestly and refuse to turn away, G-d will give you the strength to begin lifting yourself back up. The only condition is that you have to be willing to confront yourself—even the parts you don’t like. You might feel you aren’t emotionally strong enough right now to fix some of the parts of you that need fixing, but the bare minimum is to acknowledge them and tell yourself that you haven’t given up. BUT, if someone chooses to look away from their own struggles and ignore what needs fixing, then they remain stuck. The first step of teshuvah—coming back to the true you—is refusing to look away.
This idea is especially relevant now, in Elul, the Hebrew month preceding Rosh HaShanah. The commitment of this month begins with seeing clearly — noticing where our friends are struggling, and where we ourselves are struggling. Only then can we fulfill the second half of the verse—to lift the burden together and help others and ourselves to stand tall again.
It’s worth noting that the verse says you shall surely help him lift it up with him. What is “with him” adding? When I help my friend stand, Hashem helps me stand. When I strengthen others, I too am strengthened.
We are instructed to notice the physical, financial, and spiritual pain of others; a Jew is not allowed to turn away. And don’t forget to notice when you, too, are in pain. When we stop turning away, G-d gives us the strength and the resources to help, both others and ourselves. When I help lift someone, I am lifted too.
Good Shabbos