Contrary to popular usage it is also clear from the reading of the narrative that it is not homosexuality that is the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah (though Jerry Falwell and others might disagree). Within the narrative in Bereshit it would seem that sexual immorality is only part of the evil of Sodom. It is on this last narrative that I would like to focus my d’var torah for this week.In our contemporary lexicon, the phrase Sodom and Gomorrah has become synonymous with extreme depravity and immorality, with a particularly sexual.In our contemporary lexicon, the phrase “Sodom and Gomorrah” has become synonymous with extreme depravity and immorality, with a particularly sexual connotation.As a matter of fact, this same midrash tells us that Lot’s daughter was convicted of giving bread to a poor person each time she went to the well for water and, as the people began her execution, she cried out to God. The poor were to be expelled or killed.We read in Midrash Pirkei Eliezer (a collection of rabbinic homilies collected in the 3rd and 4th centuries in the land of Israel) that any resident of these cities who attempted to give food or aid to a poor person was subject to death. The Sages teach us that only the wealthy were welcome as guests in Sodom. The two messengers could just has easily have been women and the people’s response would have been the same. However, what makes them sinful according to our Sages is not sexual desire or lust, but rather their desire to abuse and humiliate other human beings because they are strangers in their midst.
![]() Yet he was still willing to give over his daughters to satisfy the people’s sexual lust rather than hand over his guests. This even affected Lot who, thanks to being raised by Abraham and Sarah, still knew to offer the strangers - angels hospitality. All common human decencies were anathema to the Sodomites. Anyone who got in their way, such as a poor person who might ask for some of their money or food, was expendable. Do unto others quotesNo one cared about helping those less fortunate. No thought was given to what others had. Even Lot had begun to take on the characteristics of his neighbors and so he needed to be rescued before he and his family became just as depraved as the remainder of the residents.The callousness of the residents that was so infectious was based on this desire to always have more for oneself - more money, more land, more jewels, more servants. ![]() Sodom And Gomorrah Full Flower ThenIt is this desire in its extreme form that brought about the destruction of the “Great Recession.” The economic and societal woes in full flower then should serve as a wake-up call and a warning, just as I’m sure the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah should have to surrounding cities, as well as to Lot and his family.May our society heed the warning and remember that serving others in need and the community at large is just as important as serving oneself and one’s needs. But I also believe that the desire for wealth and security, which is a natural and healthy drive, can overtake us if we are not careful. I still believe that humanity and society is basically good, and that most people want to care for those in need. The entire community had become selfish and evil, and so they brought about their own destruction.This story can serve as a warning to us today. Not even ten righteous people, the minimum to constitute a community, could be found in the cities.
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