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Kenneth Cohen

He’s Watching

The Talmud in Masechet Bava Kama gives two definitions regarding a thief. One is called a “Ganav,” and the other is called a “Gazlan.”

The Ganav steals secretly when the owner of the object is unaware and is not looking. The Gazlan steals with force and could even be an armed robber.

It is somewhat surprising that when the Ganav is caught and brought to justice, he is penalized by paying double the amount that he stole.

The Gazlan, who acts more brazenly, is only required to return what he stole, or pay its value. The Torah says, והשיב את הגזילה, that he must return the stolen object.

The Talmud explains the reason for this law. The Ganav has demonstrated that he fears man more than he fears G-d. For this he is penalized.

The Gazlan is showing more desperation by his actions. He is not necessarily a denier of G-d. He needs money so badly that he’s willing to take the risk that both man and Hashem are watching. He’s hoping he will somehow get away with his crime.

This is an appropriate message as we are making our final pleas for a good year. As Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai told his students on his death bed, “May your fear of G-d be as great as your fear of man.” They were surprised by such a simple parting message.

He explained that this is not a small thing. We must constantly remember that “Hashem is watching,” and everything depends on Him. Depending on man, leads to futility.

About the Author
Rabbi Cohen has been a Torah instructor at Machon Meir, Jerusalem, for over twenty years while also teaching a Talmud class in the Shtieblach of Old Katamon. Before coming to Israel, he was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles. He recently published a series of Hebrew language-learning apps, which are available at www.cafehebrew.com