Shalom, Mitspacha!
“And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not oppress him. The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself.”
- Wayyiqra 19:33 - 34
YHVH places extraordinary emphasis on the treatment of the convert - the one who has left former ways to walk in His covenant. This mitzvah reveals the heart of YHVH Himself. He guards the vulnerable, protects the uncertain, and watches over those learning His ways for the first time. To cheat, pressure, or distress such a person is to violate His compassion directly.
The convert enters the community with trust and humility, often not knowing all the customs or expectations. YHVH commands His people to treat them as native-born - not as outsiders. When we protect the convert, we mirror the protection YHVH extended to us when we were strangers to His truth.
“Thou shalt love him as thyself.”
- Wayyiqra 19:34
This mitzvah goes deeper than simply avoiding harm - it calls for active love. It means dealing honestly in every transaction, speaking patiently in correction, and guiding gently when teaching. It means refusing to exploit someone’s lack of knowledge or inexperience. Each of us once stood where they now stand.
As the world grows more corrupt and self-serving, the covenant people must stand apart. Integrity toward the vulnerable is one of the clearest tests of whether Torah has shaped our character.
Today we examine how we speak, transact, teach, and walk with those still learning. If impatience, superiority, or dishonesty has slipped in, we correct it. If restitution is needed, we make it. When someone is new in their walk, we cover them with patience and clarity. Protecting the convert honors YHVH and strengthens the holiness of the community.
The treatment of the stranger reflects our national responsibility. As systems grow corrupt, we must grow more righteous. Every act of fairness becomes a testimony that YHVH reigns in our midst.
Abba YHVH, shape our hearts in Your compassion. Remove every impulse to take advantage of another’s weakness or inexperience. Teach us to protect the convert, uplift the uncertain, and deal truthfully with all. May our conduct bring honor to Your Name and establish communities marked by justice, kindness, and integrity. Strengthen us to walk in Your ways with clarity and courage.
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.