Do not steal: A spiritual perspective

Rabbi Yaakov Raskin

IN FEBRUARY, a news story shook the entire country. A wealth advisor at NCB pleaded guilty to stealing over $74 million from customer accounts, transferring them to her own. This story caught my eye for several reasons. Beyond the shocking sum, it highlighted the sad reality that many people don’t see it as wrong to enrich themselves at others’ expense. This got me thinking about some foundational rules society has against theft, and the deeper meanings behind those rules.

No matter which philosophical or ethical code you subscribe to, laws against stealing seem like common sense. I have yet to meet someone who has a neutral opinion about stealing when it’s their own property being stolen. Prohibition against theft is one of the most ancient and universal laws across civilisations and throughout history. According to Judaism, it is one of the oldest commandments given to humanity, and one of the seven Noahide Laws, or civilisational rules for all of mankind to observe.

SPIRITUAL DIMENSION

Laws against theft are necessary to uphold the safe and harmonious functioning of society. However, there is much more to it than that – a spiritual dimension to theft that is often overlooked. This is especially relevant as Jews mark the upcoming holiday of Shavuot (June 11-13), which celebrates the momentous occasion of receiving the Ten Commandments, including the famous commandment “Thou shalt not steal”.

According to Jewish mystical tradition, the divine revelation at Mt Sinai was more than a mere transmission of laws; it was a historical inflection point heralding a new spiritual order. Until Moses received G-d’s divine law, there remained a separation between the physical and spiritual realms. Though the world was filled with good deeds and virtuous acts, the physical objects used in their performance remained spiritually mundane and unaffected by the actions performed with them.

But, at Sinai, Jewish tradition teaches that the nature of reality shifted, allowing humanity to infuse physical objects with a spiritual purpose and holiness, using the world as G-d intended for it to be used.

For example, the act of charity before G-d gave the Torah would have been good and holy, but the physical coins themselves would remain unaffected. After the revelation, these items actually become divine objects through the act of giving charity. They become spiritual accessories, pulsating and enlivened by the godly mission they were used for.

With this in mind, the commandment “Thou shalt not steal” can be understood on a more spiritual level. Beyond preventing criminality and upholding law and order, this commandment is one of the keys to making the world a better and holier place.

DIVINE PUZZLE

Jewish mysticism teaches that our property is intrinsically tied to our destiny. Possessions are not just things you own by happenstance; they are actually little pieces of the divine puzzle that is our world. When something comes into your possession in a natural, honest, and holy way, you are put in contact with the portion of G-d’s puzzle that only you can solve.

In this light, stealing someone’s possessions is not just a property crime; it actually robs them of some of their spiritual purpose. They are left deprived, not only of their material items, but of the potential to imbue those objects with holiness and use them for good purposes. Additionally, the one who steals is also stealing from himself, as the manner in which we acquire our possessions is tied to the ultimate purpose and value of our belongings. This is attested to in scripture, which states, “So are the ways of everyone who commits robbery; it will take away the life of its owner” (Proverbs 1:19).

As Shavuot approaches and we reflect on our relationship with G-d, let us take to heart the message that observing the commandment of respecting others’ property bears deep spiritual significance, recognising the sacred spiritual destiny of every person. Let us resolve to make the world a good and holy place, where every object we come into contact with is treated with as much respect as if it were G-d’s own.

Rabbi Raskin is Jamaica’s only rabbi ,and co-directs Chabad of Jamaica with his wife Chaya Mushka. Chabad is a one-stop for everything Jewish and a place dedicated to spreading acts of goodness and kindness to all humanity.Shavuot Celebration will be held on June 11 and 12 at the Chabad of Jamaica.For your comments and to receive a free ARK Charity Box (Acts of Routine Kindness), email info@jewishjamaica.com