BUYING POWER 

Tucked into the first of this week’s two parashiot, is a fascinating insight into Jewish Business Ethics. 

The Israelites were now in their fortieth year in the desert. They were approaching the land of Canaan from the south. Their route northward entailed passing through part of the territory of Edom. In accordance with protocol, they asked the local monarch, the king of Edom, for permission to traverse his country.  

“Let us pass through your land. We won’t go into any field or vineyard. We won’t drink the water of a well. We will travel on the main highway, veering neither to the right or the left, until we have passed through your land.” (Numbers 20:17) 

In other words: Let us pass through. We will cause minimum disturbance. 

Permission was denied, and the Israelites had to make a detour. 

However, the wording of the request troubles Rashi. Water in the region of Edom was obtained from cisterns that collected the surface rainwater rather than wells. What is the “water of a well” that the Israelites say they will not use? 

Quoting the Midrash, Rashi interprets the passage in the following way: 

“Even though we have our own supplies of food and water (i.e. the manna that falls daily and the well of Miriam that miraculously accompanies us) we will not make use of them. We will buy food and water from you – to your advantage.” 

Moses put it to the Edomites that it would be to their economic benefit to allow the Israelites to pass through their land. Rashi then develops this passage as a proof text for Jewish business ethics. He adds:  

“From here we may learn a general rule for a traveller lodging in an inn. Even though he may have his own provisions with him, he should still buy something locally in order to benefit his host.” 

Jewish business ethics demands that we do more than seek to minimize costs and maximize profits. We have a responsibility to consider those amongst whom we live, and even to those whose land we pass through, to see that they, too, can make a living. 

The highest form of tzedaka is to give someone else a livelihood rather than a handout. Supporting a local economy can be an example of this. 

So, next time you go shopping, reflect that you can also be performing tzedaka in patronizing a local store. Corner shop loyalty can be a mitzva too!