Jewish Law

Do Not Afflict Widows and Orphans: Everything You Need to Know to Be There for Them

A practical guide to helping the most vulnerable members of society

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The Prohibition of Harming Widows and Orphans

The mitzvah "You shall not afflict any widow or orphan" (Shemot 22:21) commands us not to harm widows and orphans, either through actions or words. This mitzvah, like many others, contributes to the building of a society based on kindness and compassion toward its most vulnerable members.

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 65) explains some of the reasons for this commandment:

"Because these are weak individuals who have no one to advocate for them wholeheartedly as the widow's husband or the orphans' father would have done if he were alive..."

The basis of this commandment is understanding that widows and orphans are vulnerable people who have no one to protect them or speak on their behalf. We must act toward them with the same measure of care that a father or husband would have shown in looking after them and protecting their rights.

 

Practical Examples of Fulfilling this Mitzvah

The Sefer HaChinuch provides several examples:

1. Speaking Gently and with Respect

"We should speak to them only gently. And one should treat them only with respect."

We must speak to widows and orphans gently and respectfully, and avoid hurting them with words in any way.

2. Safeguarding Their Property

"Not to cause them physical pain through labor, not to embarrass them with words, and to care for their property even more than one's own property."

We should not impose too much work on them, or hurt them with words. We must safeguard their property, even more diligently we do for our own property.

3. Conditions for Debt Collection

"Therefore, our Sages of blessed memory said (Shevuot 45a) that one who comes to collect from their property, even if he has a valid document, may not collect without first taking an oath, which is not required in other cases."

Anyone seeking to collect debts from widows and orphans must first take an oath, something that is not required in other cases.

4. Support in Court

"Furthermore, our Sages of blessed memory said (Bava Batra 23a) that if [widows or orphans] have a dispute with anyone, the court is obligated to argue on their behalf against the plaintiff, and to put forward any argument that could benefit them that they think their father would have made."

When widows or orphans are involved in a legal dispute, the court is obligated to represent their interests and act for their benefit as if their father were representing them.

5. Management and Supervision of Assets

"And if they have money, the court compels a wealthy person who has secure assets and is trustworthy, peace-loving, and upright, and they entrust the orphans' money to him to manage in a way that is likely to bring profit to the orphans and is unlikely to cause loss ... They also compel any person who would be good for them to supervise their assets if their father did not leave them any guardian."

The court ensures the appointment of a responsible trustee to manage orphans' assets, making sure that funds are managed optimally to prevent losses and ensure profits. If no guardian was appointed by the father, the court must appoint a reliable and responsible person to oversee the orphans' assets, ensuring that these assets are managed properly and transparently for the benefit of the orphans.

 

Everyday Examples of Fulfilling this Mitzvah

Help with Shopping: Volunteer to help them with weekly or monthly shopping.

Weekly Visits: Visit them regularly to show care and provide company.

Emotional Support: Listen to them and encourage them when times are hard.

Help with Studies: Help orphaned children with homework and exam preparation.

Household Management Assistance: Help with daily tasks such as cleaning and home repairs.

Organizing Social Activities: Ensure widows and orphans participate in community events and social activities.

Providing Professional Advice: Assist with legal, financial, or career counseling.

Help Finding Employment: Help them find suitable work and improve employability skills.

Childcare: Help widows with childcare to ease the burden of daily life.

Purple redemption of the elegant village: Save baby life with the AMA Department of the Discuss Organization

Call now: 073-222-1212

תגיות:compassionorphanswidows

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