DO NOT LOOK AWAY · Sukkat Shalom B'nei Noach

בס "ד

EIN GEDANKE ÜBER PARSHAT KI TEITZEI 5785

The Torah’s Call to Compassion, Even for an Enemy

and the power of kindness, even when it’s uncomfortable

4 Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide thyself from them; thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again

ד לֹא-תִרְאֶה אֶת-חֲמוֹר אָחִיךָ אוֹ שׁוֹרוֹ, נֹפְלִים בַּדֶּרֶךְ, וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ, מֵהֶם: הָקֵם תָּקִים, עִמּוֹ

At first glance, this verse from Deuteronomy 22:4 seems simple: if you see your neighbor’s animal has fallen, help. But as is often the case in the Torah, beneath the surface lies a deeper moral framework. What seems like a practical instruction reveals a profound message—not just about how we treat animals, but how we engage with other people, even those we might not like.

Care for Animals—and for People, Even Your Enemy

The verse might appear to be about animal welfare, but classic commentators note that the commandment isn’t only (or even primarily) about compassion for the animal. According to the Sefer ha-Chinuch (Mitzvah 80), it’s also about preventing financial loss to the animal’s owner.

But here’s something striking: in Exodus 23:5, a similar command is given, but this time it refers specifically to the animal of your enemy:

“If you see the donkey of someone who hates you collapsing under its burden, you shall not pass by; you must surely help him with it.” (Exodus 23:5)

Chizkuni notes the difference in wording: in Deuteronomy, it speaks of your brother’s animal, but in Exodus, it’s your enemy’s. Why the change?

Rabbeinu Bahja offers a beautiful insight: when you help someone who hates you—or someone you resent—that act of kindness can mend the relationship. Your enemy becomes your brother. A cycle of alienation is broken by a simple act of help.

More Than a Burden—An Opportunity for Connection

Ramban highlights that this mitzvah carries both a positive and a negative commandment: you muss help (a positive obligation), and you must not look away (a negative prohibition). Not helping isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a transgression.

Rashi adds that the verse says you must help “with him,” meaning the animal’s owner must also participate. You are not expected to carry the burden alone. That’s a valuable lesson: help isn’t interference—it’s partnership.

A Deeper Reading: The Fallen Person

Die Lubawitscher Rebbe (Likutei Sichot, vol. 2, p. 633) offers an allegorical interpretation of the verse:

Your fellow’s “donkey” represents someone behaving like a non-kosher animal—falling into forbidden desires.
The “ox” symbolizes someone who gives in to indulgence, even in things technically permitted.
“Fallen on the road” means they have lost their spiritual or moral footing.
You witnessing this is no coincidence—it’s a call to action.

“G-d would not have shown you this fall if you weren’t the one meant to help lift him up.”

It’s a bold and empowering idea: you saw it, so you can help.

But What If Your Help Offends Them?

Here’s the challenge: how do you help someone without coming across as judgmental—or worse, making things worse?

Start with Respect – Ask permission. “Can I help you with that?” goes further than “Let me tell you what to do.”
Be Present, Not Pushy – As Rashi notes, the verse says you must help “with him”, meaning the owner must also participate. If he refuses and says, “You’re the one commanded—go ahead and do it yourself,” you’re not obligated to help alone (Bava Metzia 32a). Help only works in partnership, not in dominance.
Check Your Motives – Are you lifting them up, or lifting yourself up by seeming better than them? True help comes from compassion, not ego.
Zoom Out – As Rabbeinu Bahya teaches: your act of kindness might be the start of healing a broken relationship. Helping lift a burden might also lift resentment, misunderstandings, or old grudges[1] .

In Conclusion

Deuteronomy 22:4 is not just about animals or roadside emergencies. It’s a daily call to empathy, humility, and reconnection. It asks us:

Are you willing to help, even when it’s uncomfortable?
Can you rise above annoyance to do what’s right?
Do you believe your small act of kindness could open a door to peace?

The Torah’s answer is yes.
Even your enemy can become your brother.

Von Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for the feedback

Quellen:

Likutei Sichot, vol. 2, p. 633

Deuteronomy 22:4

Exodus 23:5

Sefer ha-Chinuch, Mitzvah 80

Chizkuni on Deut. 22:4

Rabbeinu Bahya on Deut. 22:4

Ramban on Deut. 22:4

Rashi on Deut. 22:4

Bava Metzia 32a

Texte Mechon Mamre

Unsere Blogs können Texte/Zitate/Referenzen/Links enthalten, die urheberrechtlich geschütztes Material von Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.orgund/oder FragNoah.orgdie wir in Übereinstimmung mit ihren Richtlinien verwenden.