Pidyon HaBen Drasha

Jack Benny, the well-known American entertainer from long ago, used to joke self- deprecatingly about his cheapness, or as Jews like to call it, frugality. Once, he told of walking down a New York street late at night when he suddenly felt cold, hard metal pointing into his back and a gruff voice barked, "Your money or your life!" When he didn't immediately respond, the gun at his back pressed deeper into his flesh and the voice from behind became more menacing, "Your money or your life!" He replied, "I'm thinking, I'm thinking."

Now what kind of absurd question did Uncle Izzy just ask me? "Your money or your baby"? Which normal father is going to give away his first born son when he can keep him for the small price of five silver coins which I acquired this morning from Alan Blum? No one was waiting in breathless suspense for my answer…I hope.

The kohanim were the professional teachers in Klal Yisrael. By not designating for them an exclusive parcel in the land of Israel, Hashem insures sparks of Torah will be kindled all over Eretz Yisrael.

When the Kohen asks, "What do you prefer, the money or the child?" what he is really asking is, "what is your value system? Is it solely based on money, or does it have at its core, the essence, the soul of the child?" The Kohen has the responsibility to challenge the parent with such a question. With the response to this rhetorical question, the family reaffirms that spiritual values are the highest priority in raising a child.

It is a very serious question. The priestly minister of G-d asks of the Chavi and I: In Elish’s future life, what will be of primary significance? Will it be the child or the shekel? Will you place high importance on finance or on family time? Will you raise this child with an emphasis on materialism or on more meaningful things? This is really a very good question after all -- one which parents need to consider soberly before responding to.

Our holy son is similar to Hekdesh, something dedicated to the Beis HaMikdash. If one wishes to use it for personal needs it must be redeemed. Elish, with his pure Neshama is kodesh. By parting with the silver I pledge to you, my son, that you and your spiritual needs will always come before materialism.

We read last week in Parshat Kedoshim “V’chi Tizb’chu Zevach Shalmim LaHashem, Lirtzonchem Tizbachuhu” When you sacrifice to Hashem you should do it willingly. On a halachik level this teaches us the intent of the person plays an integral part in the fulfillment of the mitzvah. On a philosophical level the verse highlights what should be going on in our minds as we give up what is special for us to the Almighty. It isn’t enough to go through the motions, rachmana Leba Bai, Hashem wants our Leba….our heart. when we sacrifice for our child we hope to do it out of joy and not begrudgingly. Since In the light of truth we are not really giving up 5 pieces of silver, we are gaining a priceless treasure.