[Avodah] Sometimes Chutzpah is Praiseworthy

[Meir Rabi]

PuAh was so named according to one Peshat, since she acted with brazenness
towards her father: Hofio PaneHa Kenneged AviHa. This refers probably to her
remarking to her father that his decree was worse than Pharo's.

It is likely that she is attributed with this name on this particular
occasion since without her Chutzpah she would not have had a job; no Jewish
babies would have been born.

But why is this acceptable? Why is the Medrash praising her for this
temerity and insubordination? Is this the way for a daughter to speak to her
father?

 

Toby Katz responded

When a child says something bold and brassy but the father loves what the -
child said and thinks it's bright and delightful, the father is not upset
with - his daughter -- he is pleased and delighted with her wit and chachma!
You - can imagine a young girl of 11 or 12 saying, "Abba you're worse than
Paraoh! - Don't you want any Jewish babies to be born anymore? You should
marry Ima again and have more children, and don't worry Abba, if Ima needs
any help with the baby, I'll help her." I bet he just ate her up!

 

In support of the notion that biting Chutzpah is Praiseworthy, may I say I
do not think this is adequate.

Although there is a great deal of truth in what R Katz says - but that does
not really merit her being offered a name to commemorate and honour her
HoFaAs Ponim Kenneged Aviha. Neither do the circumstances of the impending
Jewish national destruction lend themselves easily towards such an imagery.
And if a child compels a parent to publicly admit their error which in this
case almost borders on foolishness they may not eat them up but beat them
up. Its no great honour to be told and truly so by ones child that they are
a fool or a hypocrite.

By the way there is a similar type of Chutzpah noted in the Gemara, in the
way that Chana lashed Eli after he misunderstood her bizarre behaviour as
she was desperately pleading to HKB"H for a child. She says, "Lo Adon", you
are not worthy of your title and your office. You have judged me without
giving me the benefit of the doubt. You are no prophet.

Can you imagine anyone today speaking in like terms to a Rov or Rosh
Yeshivah - and being praised for it?

And Eli gives her a BeRacha. That was cheap considering she helped him
regain a significant portion of his O"HaBo. 

It seems that had she approached Eli in any other manner he may have
rationalised his behaviour and she would not have been able to get through
to Eli.

 

meir

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