I was asked recently about why as people we seem to care more about the good and the bad that happens to people close to us and seem perhaps less bothered by difficulties people fare away are enduring.
Well, for starters, we certainly should care and do what we can to help those in need even if they are far from us geographically or other-wise.
However, our morality is informed by the Torah; and the Torah does indeed tell us to look after "your brother, your poor, your destitute who are in your land." This expression, our sages point out, demonstrates that when we have finite resources and are forced to prioritize, we should start by helping those around us first.
Think about it. Communist society, built on the idea of helping everyone equally, actually treated people horribly. You may be my brother, or my neighbor - but what does it matter? I'm pursuing a bigger idea here, equality for all. In fact, if I perceive you to be standing in the way of that vision, I would have no problem harming you.
But the Torah says that the onus of responsibility is on YOU and you are never free to ignore the needs of the people around you - even in the name of some grander idea. And that sense of duty translates into more people being helped, here and now. In fact, when that responsibility is felt by more and more people, it actually leads to a world where fewer and fewer people are left to suffer.
So yes, help your brother, your neighbor, your friend and co-worker. Care about your neighborhood, city, state and country, and care about your fellow Jews in Israel and around the world. Together, we’ll make the world a better place – but it starts with us.
