ARTICLES

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19). Read on Shabbat, September 6, 2025 / 13 Elul 5785. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep going astray and ignore them; you shall take them back to your brother. And if he does not live near you, or you do not know who he is, you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall stay with you until your brother seeks it; then you shall restore it to him” (Deuteronomy 22:1-2).

This commandment teaches that responsibility in God’s community goes beyond refraining from harm. It requires us to act with care and intentionality toward the well-being of others. Returning a stray animal may seem small, but it is no small matter to the one who lost it. In God’s eyes, such an act of attention and kindness reflects the deeper character of His people.

When Moses gave this instruction, he reminded Israel that the covenant was not just about worship at the sanctuary or great moments of sacrifice. It was also about how people treated each other in daily life. A community where neighbors return what is lost, rather than looking away, is one where trust is preserved, dignity is honored, and love is made visible.

In our own lives, the spirit of this commandment still applies. Perhaps we do not find a neighbor’s ox wandering the road, but we do encounter people who have lost something of value, whether a belonging, an opportunity, or even their peace of mind. Faithfulness calls us not to ignore these needs but to step in with care, even when it requires time or effort.

There are moments when we may be tempted to say, “It is not my problem,” and walk past. Yet God’s word teaches us otherwise. His people are not meant to live with indifference. Each act of care, no matter how ordinary, bears witness to a God who restores the lost and heals the broken.

If you are in a place of blessing, consider how your stability can serve others. A listening ear, a helping hand, or an act of fairness can become a form of returning what is lost. In these ways, we mirror the heart of God who restores His children to wholeness.

This week, ask yourself where you might put this teaching into practice. Perhaps you can return something misplaced, repair a relationship that has drifted, or restore someone’s sense of hope with an encouraging word. When we choose to notice and respond, we embody the covenant call to love our neighbor as ourselves.

PRAYER
Lord, open my eyes to see what is lost around me. Give me the courage and compassion to restore what I can, whether possessions, peace, or dignity. Let my actions reflect Your faithfulness and love. Amen.