[Avodah] Chillul HaShem when NJ are the observers

[Meir Rabi]

Yoma 86a  Abaya referring to the Braysa says: We learn from VeAhavta es
HaShem that one should cause Gds Name to be beloved.

One who learns Torah and is MeShamesh Talmidei Chachamim and maintains an
honourable reputation in business and his interpersonal relationships
prompts people to say, "Praiseworthy are his father  and his Rebbe for
teaching him Torah, look how his ways are so pleasant and how his actions
are so honest. Woe is to those people who do not learn Torah.”

However, those who are dishonest and/or whose speech with people is less
than pleasant, he causes people to say, “Woe is to he who learns Torah, woe
to his father and to his Rebbe for teaching him, look at his crooked
activities and how his crude ways.”

Rashi adds that when a prominent person does an Aveira and is punished, it
causes people to question the purpose and value of being righteous if such
people are afflicted.

Furthermore, when the Gentiles see the Jewish people in exile and they say,
“See how these chosen people of Gd could not be saved by Gd from being
driven into exile”, this is a Chilul HaShem.

Is it not clear from Rashi that a Chilul HaShem is prompted by a negative
impressions be it by Jews and NJws?



-- 

Best,

Meir G. Rabi**
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