Satisfy But Not Gorge

 This is such an odd, amazing aliyah - basically containing only two laws: the mitzvah of eating grapes and corn/grain of a total stranger with total permission, so long as grapes aren't put in a container and corn/grain isn't cut down with a sickle (and perhaps a more thorough discussion would actually parse these out a little more, as surely the Torah wouldn't use two examples in a row to make the same exact point) and the law of re-marrying a previously divorced spouse after the spouse has married another and that individual either divorced her (or him) or died.

First, there is something so awe-inspiring about the vision of society the Torah sets forth in the first mitzvot.  I just discussed recently how things actually do belong to people - they are owned, and they must be returned.  But perhaps I should clarify this in a little more detail - that while an individual can truly own things, and have what is essentially a lifetime ownership of that thing - this may only apply to singular objects.  When there is a mass of objects, that can't all be physically possessed at once, sure the ownership rights still apply (you can't take my grapes home or cut down my stalks indiscriminately), but they aren't as encompassing - other people are free to eat as much as they want in that one instance.

Think about the massive ramifications this would have for society if this was actually accomplished: the perfect mix of private property ownership with a communal feeling that anyone who is hungry may come eat, without fear and without penalty.  And upon re-reading this parshiyot, my chumash attempts to add a layer not really present in the Torah - that such consumption may only be done when one "comes [to work" whereas the Torah only says "comes" - as in, anyone may come, whether they are working or not.  Think about how this would look in so many different contexts - in the end, creating a society which would truly and honestly support each other, while still balancing the rights of the individual.  Take, but don't take it all.  Eat and live, but don't gorge.  As always, it works as well for the individual as it does for the collective.

Contrast this with the following, very long singular commandment of marriage, divorce, and re-marriage to the same individual.  Perhaps this is precisely what the Torah had in mind regarding the discussion of the fields - come and participate (in marriage), but if it doesn't work out, don't horde that person and re-marry them even after it hasn't worked out (because it's bound to not work out again).  Basically, the Torah approves of a decision to both commit and then de-commit - but one can't have it both ways, at least without bringing shame unto the land - by going back and forth ad infinitum.  It is okay to go back and forth - but only once - just as it is to enter to field and eat - but only once, and not to try and squeeze benefit out of the field beyond that one trip.

What I am really feeling into right now is the sort of real unity, echad - oneness (yichud, perhaps better stated) - that we should seek to strive always and in all contexts.  No, there is no difference between food from the earth and a life partner - as crude as it may sound, it is all a creation of the singular whole.  That's why, sure, small steps towards improvement are worthwhile, but the process really isn't complete until every little thing comes into alignment, from the way we eat to the way we interact with our spouse.  In an increasingly growing idea - the pursuit of perfection, and of enlightenment - I believe that not only is it achievable, I, with greater confidence every day, believe that it may be commanded as well - and not just the journey towards enlightenment, but the end as well.  

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