Sermons of Rebuke: Bahar Excerpts

בהר

Shabbat Shalom,

(25:14) Do not תונו. Whatever that means.
You cannot take advantage of people.
(25:15) You must sell according to the years that are left in the Yovel cycle. That is when the land goes back to its original owner and you are left with nothing.

We all have a piece of knowledge when we sell something. Even so, we may not use that to our advantage, to take advantage of somebody else.
The point is that it is forbidden to be a good businessman…We are taking down every plaque from the shule walls. As each of these people made money by selling at a profit, they are sinners…

Kind of like the guy who sold me a dress at the market in South Africa and told me it was for men. He said it was a traditional South African dress…He told me his grandmother sewed it. I was taken by his story, as he did not look Chinese. I only hope his grandmother in China is healthy…
It turns out that the dress was for women. South African men wear jeans.

(25:17) ‘And you shall fear H.’’
There is stuff that only we know. In business, only the salesman knows the truth…However H’ also knows that you are a liar.

However, there is another side to sales. As 25:14 continues, ‘Or Purchase.’
The buyer must also not be an idiot.. Certain people are meant to be taken advantage of. Example: Any American on vacation…
The new paint job on the shule was way overpriced. Thank you to our board who did not do research

(25:18) Only through this, may we live in Israel לבטח.
It is through honesty in business and allowing the land to rest in its proper times that allows us to stay in the land of Israel. It is only through making smart purchases, that allows us to stay in Israel forever…If we keep getting ripped off, this shule is going to be broke…Stupid board decisions…
Amen. Exactly!!!!!

***These are excerpts from the sermon. For the sermon in its entirety, come see David Kilimnick perform at the Off The Wall Comedy Basement, in downtown Jerusalem.
David also tours as a Maggid with very few stories, if you invite him.
Shabbat Shalom vPesach sameach