By Barrett Holman Leak
SAN DIEGO — Delving into the heart of Parsha K’doshim, a portion that calls us to a profound level of holiness, we find at its core two seemingly distinct yet deeply intertwined commandments: “You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin” (Leviticus 19:36), and the often heard principle, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
These ancient words resonate with startling relevance in our modern lives, particularly as we navigate the complexities of our current economic landscape. Here in San Diego and across the nation, many of us are feeling the pinch of rising costs, a reality exacerbated by policies like the recently enacted tariffs. The Average Median Income for San Diego County has risen from $116,500 in 2024 to $130,800 for 2025. Even that amount does not go far for a family of three or four. Meanwhile, a poor person living on stamps and Medi-Cal in our community is not allowed to earn more than $21,612 annually or s/he will lose food assistance and medical coverage. How do these timeless teachings guide us in such a time? How do we maintain just dealings and truly love our neighbors when such disparities exist, and our own financial realities are increasingly strained?
Bringing the Sages into conversation with this text offers profound insights into these commandments. Rashi, with his characteristic clarity, underscores the literal demand for honesty in all transactions. He also reminds us that this comes from the One who knows EVERYTHING including things you do in secret that you think no one knows. It is a divine message that you should know who you are messing with if you are unethical. More directly on social media it is the hashtag #FAFO (Fool Around, Find Out)
Nachmanides, with his deeper, often mystical lens, joins the conversation with the perspective that these commandments reflect God’s own attributes of justice and compassion. He sees this as a call to place no limitation on your love for other people as human beings. Recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, a recognition that should permeate all our actions, including our economic ones.
Ibn Ezra adds that the One telling us this is the One who brought us out of horrific immoral slavery and delivered us into freedom.
Now, let us consider the practical implications of these teachings in light of the rising cost of living across the USA and here in America’s self-proclaimed Finest City, as we face a new chaotic world of tariffs. Tariffs, essentially taxes on imported goods, will increase the price of many items we consume daily. From the gas in our cars to the food on our tables, toilet paper and more, the cost of living will continue rising, placing a particular burden on those with already limited financial resources – people such as the 14,000 in our Jewish community in San Diego who live below the poverty line. How do we, as individuals and as a community, uphold just dealings and love our neighbors in this reality, especially when the economic disparities within our own San Diego community are so stark?
First, we must be acutely aware of the impact and cultivate empathy. Can we truly love our neighbor as ourselves if we remain indifferent to their growing financial anxieties, particularly when the system penalizes even modest attempts to improve their situation?
Second, we must strive for honesty and fairness in our own economic dealings, even amid rising prices. Are we, as business owners or service providers, resisting the urge to unfairly inflate our prices simply because we can? A major property management company overseeing affordable housing just got in trouble for colluding with other property management firms and market rate properties to raise rents using an AI program algorithm, giving poor tenants no affordable housing options except homelessness, moving from an apartment to a room or moving out of state
Are we landlords raising rents to increase our profits even though we know our tenants live on fixed incomes and are not getting raises? Are we being transparent with our customers and clients? Just weights, measures and practices begin with our own integrity in the marketplace, however big or small our role.
Third, we are called to practical acts of love and support. This might mean being more generous with our time and resources to local food banks or charities that assist those struggling with increased expenses and the difficult choices imposed by assistance limitations. It might even mean having difficult conversations with our elected officials, taking time to write letters advocating for policies that alleviate the burden on the most vulnerable in our society and address the systemic challenges that trap individuals in poverty.
Fourth, we must cultivate mindful consumption. Being conscious of our purchasing choices and supporting businesses that prioritize ethical practices can be a tangible way of aligning our economic actions with our values.
Finally, let us remember the power of community (kehillah). In times of economic hardship, and in the face of such economic disparities within our own San Diego, our bonds with one another become even more vital. What would it take to lift 14,000 members of the Jewish community out of poverty through economic support, decent-paying jobs, mental health support etc.?
Take note of who is not participating in the community and ask yourself – is it because they cannot afford to do so? And if so, what can you and others do to change that situation?
The call of K’doshim is not a defunct and passive one. Today it demands active engagement with the world around us, guided by the principles of justice and love. As we navigate the challenges of rising costs, and as we witness the stark economic realities within our own community, let us be mindful of the scales we use in our own hearts and situations as well as the embrace of love we extend to our neighbors. May we strive to create a community where justice and compassion are not just ideals, but the very lifeblood of our daily lives.
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Barrett Holman Leak is a freelance writer based in San Diego.