As I have spoken to people from outside my home community of Baltimore over the past several weeks, they first express concern for the well-being of my family because of the recent civil unrest. Once I assure them that we are "fine," many want to know my thoughts about the underlying events that precipitated both the protests and the accompanying property damage. Of course, we speak about the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody, but we quickly move the conversation to the circumstances of my city that form the landscape for its citizens to demand fairness and justice. Some say there are "two Baltimores," but I believe there are many Baltimores. There is black, white, and brown Baltimore, and poor, middle class, and wealthy variants of all three. And there are many more Baltimores for those of different religions, sexual orientation, ethnic groups, and more. How do we make certain that none of these Baltimores are forgotten and that each are given the opportunity to realize their potential? Our Jewish tradition can help.

In the opening parashah of this week's double parashot, B'har-B'hakotai, we read a valuable lesson in economic justice. When someone who is close to us is in financial difficulty, we are instructed to bring him even closer, and to ease his burden by not exacting advance payment or accrued interest. It is our personal responsibility to help this individual maintain his status as a productive member of society. We are told to "let him live by your side," so he is not isolated and alone, but can remain a part of the community. By assisting this person who has suffered financially, we are not only helping him, but strengthening the community so we all do not lose a vital member.

So, we can all ask ourselves "what are we as individuals and as a community doing to help those who have or are in danger of falling into poverty?" If we are following the lessons of Torah in that regard, then maybe we can achieve one community, one Baltimore, at least for economic justice and the fairness promoted thereby.

Shabbat Shalom.