[Avodah] RSRH - Vaychi Digest

[Yitzchok Levine]

[Another subdigest of R Prof YL's RSRH's posts of the week. Two entries.
-micha]

Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:23:49 -0500
Subject: Not only must the ends be pure, but so must be the means

The following if from RSRH's commentary on Bereishis 49:7. Too bad
that those who get involved in violent demonstrations and think that
hooliganism is Judaism do not study the writing of RSRH. YL

	7 Cursed be their [Shimon's and Levi's] anger for it is fierce,
	and their fury, for it is cruel. I will divide them in Ya'akov
	and scatter them in Yisrael.

    It is most significant that here, at the laying of the cornerstone
    of the Jewish people, a curse is imposed upon any violent outburst
    that runs counter to justice and morality, even if it is intended
    for the common good.

    All other states and nations have adopted the principle that
    any action is legitimate as long as it serves the interest of
    the state. Acts of cunning and violence that would be punished by
    ostracism or execution if practiced by an individual for selfish gain
    are rewarded with laurels and civic honors if they are committed for
    what is alleged to be the welfare of the state. The laws of morality
    apply only in private life, whereas in politics and diplomacy the
    only recognized law is that of national self-interest.

    Here, by contrast, the last will and testament on which the Jewish
    people was founded pronounces a curse on cunning and violence, even
    if they are used for the nation's most legitimate interests, and it
    sets down for all time the doctrine that even in public life and in
    the promotion of the common good, not only must the ends be pure,
    but so must be the means.



Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:33:04 -0500
Subject: True Wisdom and Morality

The following is from RSRH's commentary on Mishlei, page 55. It points out
the difference between Torah wisdom and all other types of knowledge. YL

    For when wisdom is practiced, not only the end is a moral one, but
    the means which lead to this end must also be morally clean. True
    wisdom rejects at the very start anything or anyone that is immoral
    It is the only science which demands from its disciples as its
    prerequisite a fear of God and purity of morals. Other sciences may
    be satisfied with adequate capabilities and a desire for knowledge,
    dispensing with proof of moral probity, even celebrating as spiritual
    heroes men whose character and behavior, once revealed, can only cause
    blushing. Indeed, where mental genius is concerned, they would like
    to issue a veritable dispensation from observing morality. Not so
    our wisdom, which derives from God's teaching. This can be attained
    only by men of purity, pure spirit and a pure heart. Entrance into
    its hall of knowledge is dependent on fear of God. And since fear of
    God entails hatred of evil, it follows that wisdom hates haughtiness
    and pride, hates the path of immorality and mouths dedicated to
    crookedness. Hence, only the humble and truthful are allowed to
    discover its treasures in truth.