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Dependency and a Change
of Color R. Johanan and R. Eliezer both interpret: As soon as a man needs the support of his fellow creatures, his face changes color like the kerum... What is the kerum? When R. Dimmi came [from Israel] he said: "There is a bird in the coast towns whose name is kerum, and as soon as the sun shines upon it, it changes into several colors. (Berakhot 6b). What were these sages getting at when they spoke of the dependent individual's face changing color. R. Shmuel Edels (Maharsha), one of the classic commentators on the aggadah, understand the color change as reference to the red hue of embarrassment. The poor man whose hand reaches out in desperation for the money to support his family certainly burns with a sense of shame. If so, this aggadah might educate us to appreciate the loss of dignity suffered by the destitute. R. Yehial Yaakov Weinberg, author of the Seridei Eish, offers a different interpretation. In his view, the aggadah refers not only to a pauper but also to anyone dependent on the opinion of others. In particular, it refers to those holding public positions. The change of colors describes much more than embarrassment; it refers to a lack of authenticity. Both the pauper and the politician who depend on the good will of others face the constant temptation to alter their beliefs and opinions to suit the feelings of their benefactors or their public. In this sense, they may frequently "change their colors." Following almost any recent political candidate around the campaign trail and seeing how their messages change from audience to audience makes R. Weinberg's point abundantly clear. As R. Weinberg points out, this trait is especially dangerous among community leaders who should be listening to their consciences more than their constituents when making decisions fateful for the entire community. Most of us are not paupers or politicians, but this gemara should still strike a resonant chord. We all face the challgenges of remaining true to our convictions in the face of social pressure.
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