Love Thy Enemy

By Rabbi Raymond Beyda

During our people's journey through the desert there was a shocking incident. A young man, the son of Shelomit Bat Dibri, blasphemed the name of God. [Referred to as "mekallel"]. He was brought before Moshe for instructions as to how to punish him. In the interim he was put in a jail cell. [Vayikra 24:12].

Rashi informs us that the people were careful to put him in different cell than the man who was incarcerated for desecrating the Sabbath. [Known as the "mekoshesh"]. Our Sages explain that although the people felt that the crime of the blasphemer was definitely more serious than the Sabbath violator [who was condemned to death], they did not want to cause unnecessary suffering to the blasphemer who would naturally assume that if he was in the same cell he must be on death row.

The lesson is clear. Everyone's feelings are important. Even if our neighbor is a despicable character, we must not hurt his feelings unnecessarily. If this is true---then how much mores must we be responsive and sensitive to the feelings of friends and family.

This Parasha is always read in the days of the Omer--when we observe customs of national mourning over the deaths of 24,000 student's of the sage Rabbi Akiba. They died because in some imperceptible way they did not show proper respect and sympathy one to the other. In these days it is recommended that we put extra effort in developing compassion and love for our fellow Jew....Ahabat Hinam. In the merit of our efforts may Hashem bring the coming of salvation speedily in our days.

DID YOU KNOW THAT

It is permitted to wash dishes on Shabbat after completing one's meal when one is going to eat another meal later on Shabbat. However, if one does not plan to use those dishes again on Shabbat - for example - after seudah shelisheet, one should not clean the dishes. Also, if one has enough clean dishes to use without the one's which are dirty it is preferred that one refrain from washing.

Glasses and cups used for drinking may be washed anytimeof day since one may drink at any opportunity. [Source: Yalkut Yosef -volume 4- siman 323:7,9]

CONSIDER THIS FOR A MINUTE

Silence is to anger as water is to fire.

Text Copyright © 2005 by Rabbi Raymond Beyda and Torah.org.