* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Although we generally think of the rich and famous as having exalted status, this week’s parasha teaches that, in the eyes of God, such status is reserved for “the stranger, the orphan, the poor, and the window.”
Again and again, the Torah describes those in need as being closest to God and having a unique relationship with Him, as the parasha states: “If you mistreat someone and they cry out to Me, I will surely hear their cry.”
In other words, the cries of the most vulnerable is at the focus of His constant attention. The prayers of those who are suffering are immediately heard On High. God asks that we too demonstrate an abiding concern for them — not to see them as deserving of our pity, but of our love and respect.
Finally, our commentators explain that, in our own time, all those who suffer from any sort of trauma, physical or spiritual malaise are similarly deserving of special sensitivity on our part.
This is part of our Jewish mutual mission.
