Money for Torah

December 31, 2014 by
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I know the title to this article will bring a smile to the face of at least one person, and I hope by the end at least one more will join him. There's a concept in this week's Parshah that until not too long ago was common practice in the Torah world, but today, unfortunately, is on the verge of extinction. It's known as the Yissachar-Zevulin Partnership.

As Ya'akov Avinu blesses his twelve sons, he gives each of them a blessing which highlights their unique character and role amongst the Tribes of Israel. Zevulin is designated to live along the coast where they could specialize in business, while Yissachar is noted for his strength and yearning to bear the yolk of Torah. It's no coincidence that these two tribes are juxtaposed in the Torah. It's the Divine plan. Zevulin's function was to support Torah. By funding the yeshivos of Yissachar they would be ensuring a true, undiluted transmission of Hashem's Torah to the next generation. This was their contribution to the Jewish people. The Chafetz Chaim adds that one who is unable to learn on his own, either because of his ability or his occupation, is obligated to support someone who will learn on his behalf and it will be considered as if he learned himself (see Yorah De'ah, 246).

It is not clear if this partnership exists today. Are there any Zevulin's out there? Has someone else filled their shoes? These questions are asked. To be a Jew is to be a builder. Our generation has seen tremendous rebuilding. Have we done our part? Zevulin's shoes are still empty; who here can fill them?

Ok, now you can smile!

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