123 Torah Book & Portion, Book of Exodus, Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18), Source Book Keys, TELVOL2 EXODUS | 23:5 with — EXOD821 People are entitled to receive help from ... EXOD821 People are entitled to receive help from others only if they do what they can to help themselves first.… the obvious implication of the words "with him" [in this verse] is that the animal's owner must work with the passerby to help raise the animal. But, notes Rabbi Avrohom Feurer, "If the owner… refuses to do so because he expects the passerby to do it himself because it is a mitzvah, the passerby is excused…"(see Mishnah Bava Mezia 2:10). Basing himself on this Torah verse, Rabbi Ephraim of Luntshits (1550-1619), known as the Kli Yakar, the name of his Torah commentary, teaches that "we may derive an application of this idea to the poor among our people who impose themselves on the community by refusing to work though they are able. They cry that we do not supply them with their needs, but they are wrong. God did not command us to help them in those situations where they can help themselves." In short, poor people should not refuse gainful employment they are capable of performing. Only if someone makes efforts to support himself and fails is the community and its members obligated to support him. Share Print Source KeyTELVOL2Verse23:5Keyword(s)withSource Page(s)244-5 Switch article EXODUS | 23:5 with — EXOD820 In this way it is hoped that both parties... Previous Article EXODUS | 23:6 evil — EXOD822 Do not treat the evil unfairly in court. ... Next Article