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Parshat Vayera
This episode prompted the following statement in the Talmud: “Abaye said, or some say it was Rabbi Yitzchak: If one wants to benefit from the hospitality of another, he may benefit, as Elisha did; and if he does not desire to benefit, he may refuse to do so, as [the prophet] Samuel the Ramatite did…” (Berachot 10b) According to these sages, this story raises the issue of whether it is appropriate for public officials or religious functionaries to accept gifts. Abaye asserts that either behavior is appropriate. Not all commentators to this passage accept Abaye’s opinion at face value. Rabbi Shlomo Luria (Maharshal), the 16th Polish Talmud commentator, objects to the model identified with Elisha because it contradicts the verse: “But he who hates gifts shall live” (Proverbs 15:27) which the Talmud interprets to mean that it is prohibited to benefit from others. (see Megillah 28a) Luria resolves the contradiction that one is only allowed to benefit from others if you are a traveler since only then is a person truly in need. Rabbi Menachem Meiri, the 13th- 14th century Provencal interpreter, maintained that one is only allowed to benefit from others provided that one compensates for the provisions. (Beit Habehira, Dickman ed. p.20) Maimonides emphasized the differences between Elisha and Samuel. Elisha was allowed to accept gifts because his position would not be affected by the gifts. Samuel, on the other hand, served as a judge and therefore could not accept gifts. Maimonides also points out that it is not a good practice to make a habit of accepting gifts. (see Maimonides, Commentary to the Mishnah, Avot 4:5) Rabbi Meir Leibish Malbim, the 19th century Bible commentator, modified the position associated with Elisha. He claimed that Elisha followed certain rules before he would benefit from others. These “rules”, Malbim found in a story about Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair, who would only allow another person to host him as a guest under very particular circumstances. He would not accept anything from a stingy person nor from a person in need. He would also not accept anything from a person who he knew something bad about. (see Hullin 6b) Malbim asserted that the Shunamite woman and her husband met these standards. What is obvious in these interpretations is the great care necessary for public figures to take in all they do.
The United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem offers students of all backgrounds the skills for studying Jewish texts. We are a vibrant, open-minded egalitarian community of committed Jews who learn, practise and grow together. Our goal is to provide students the ability and desire to continue Jewish learning and practice throughout their lives. Rashei Yeshiva: Rabbi Richard Lewis, Rabbi Joel Roth and Rabbi Pesach Schindler.
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