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ANGEL/RABBI YAACOV HULI
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take precedence even over the poor of one’s own town (Genesis
14:22). By giving charity, one shows himself worthy of God’s
blessings (Genesis 14:20).
A wealthy person should realize that moral uprightness is far
more important than material possessions. To be truly consid
ered wealthy, one must be compassionate, humble, upright and
merciful. If he lacks these qualities, he cannot be considered
to be wealthy in the real sense (Genesis 18:1).
IN PRAISE OF HUMILITY
The
Meam Loez
emphasized the virtue of humility. God Him
self serves as the model of humility; He began the Torah with
the word
bereshit
(referring to Israel, according to one interpre
tation) rather than with His own name. If God mentioned Israel
even before Himself, we certainly should learn to give prece
dence to others, even those who are less important than we
(Genesis 1:1).
God created Adam from dust, not from gold (Genesis 2:7).
He created a vast universe, so that when we look at the sky
we sense God’s grandeur and power. This humbles us, remind
ing us of our obligation to serve God with devotion and to avoid
sin (Genesis 2:7).
Humility is the foundation for the attainment of every other
good moral quality. It is the first step in the proper service
of God (Genesis 13:14). Our biblical heroes were humble. Abra
ham said: “I am dust and ashes.” Moses and Aaron said: “what
are we?” King David said: “I am a worm and not a man.” But
the heathens were arrogant, thinking themselves great and pow
erful. Yet humility is far greater than pride; in the end it is
rewarded (Genesis 14:14).
Those in power especially need to remind themselves to re
main humble. King David had a coin struck. On one side was
a depiction of a tower, representing a fortress he built. On the
other side was a depiction of a shepherd’s crook and pouch.
Even as king, David did not forget his humble beginnings (Gen
esis 12:4). Even when a person has great status and is like the
“stars of the sky,” he must stay as humble as the “sand on the
seashore” (Genesis 22:18).
One should strive to serve others and not consider himself
more lofty or dignified than them. Moses served his people,