Parshas Emor
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.
