A Logical Conclusion

He sees not sin in Jacob, nor does He behold iniquity in Israel (23:21)

Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov once encountered a preacher who was forever berating his listeners for their sins. In the most graphic terms he would describe the nature of the evil in the heart of man and the terrible punishments in store for his sinful audience.

"Tell me',' the Baal Shem Tov asked the preacher, "how do you know so much about evil, considering that you have never tasted sin yourself?"

The preacher was puzzled. "How do you know that I haven't sinned?"

"But my dear friend, I am sure you would have discussed your own sins, if you had any, before recounting the sins of others."

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Once Upon A Chasid »

By Yanki Tauber

There is no better way to convey the unique and often subtle "chassidic dimension" to the wisdom of Torah than to tell a story. Hence, Once Upon a Chassid--a collection of stories, anecdotes, conversations and sayings culled from the immense sea of writings, transcribed talks, letters and diaries of seven generations of Chabad-Lubavitch.

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Kehot Publication Society, the publishing arm of the Lubavitch movement, has brought Torah education to nearly every Jewish community in the world, and is the world's largest publisher of Jewish literature.

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2 Comments

Kevin June 29, 2023

If Hashem is Compassionate,them it behoves us to show compassion for the weak and that is the duty of every Jew to do likewise as Aron the brother of Moshe did for his fellow Israelites. Reply

Marco Italy June 29, 2023

I appreciate how the passage highlights the importance of humility and personal reflection, as well as the message of not judging others. We are encouraged to seek the good in others and understand that everyone can make mistakes. This makes me ponder about the compassion and understanding we should show towards others, even when they commit sins or engage in morally wrong actions. But I wonder if there is a limit to this compassion and understanding. In your perspective, how can we strike a balance between the responsibility to promote justice and the act of forgiving those who have made mistakes?

Thank you for your kind attention. Best regards.

Marco Reply

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He sees not sin in Jacob, nor does He behold iniquity in Israel (23:21)

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