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ויקרא יט:יח

לֹא תִקֹּם וְלֹא תִטֹּר אֶת בְּנֵי עַמֶּךָ וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ אֲנִי ה':

Leviticus 19:18

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your countrymen. Love your fellow as yourself: I am the LORD.

Safra:

What is power of vengeance?

He said: “Lend me your sickle” – and he didn’t lend it. The following day he said: “Lend me your spade”. He answered: “I will not lend it, just as you didn’t lend me your sickle.” Therefore the verse states: You shall not take vengeance.

What is the power of bearing a grudge?

He said: “Lend me your spade” – and he didn’t lend it. The following day he said: “Lend me your sickle”. He answered: “Take it, for I am not like you, who wouldn’t even lend me a spade!” Therefore the verse states: You shall not bear a grudge.

Ramban:

Our Rabbis have already explained the matters of taking vengeance and guarding a grudge [which are here forbidden], that they apply to cases where there is no monetary obligation, such as, “Lend me your spade, lend me your sickle.” For in a case where his friend owes him money, such as because of damage that he caused him or for similar reasons, one is not obliged to let his friend go free.

On the contrary, he should sue him before the court and receive payment from him, on the basis of the verse which states, as he hath done, so shall it be done to him, and he [who caused the damage] is himself obliged to pay just as he must pay back that which he borrowed or robbed; and -how much more so in matters of life, [the next of kin] should take vengeance and guard the grudge against the murderer, until the blood of his brother be redeemed by a court that will render judgment according to the laws of the Torah.

QUESTIONS

1. What misunderstanding is Ramban trying to prevent?
2. How does he understand verse Lev 24:19
3. Why does he add the underlined words? What misunderstanding is he trying to prevent? [Not the same as in 1]

Answers to last week’s questions:

1. What is the difference between these commentaries?

Each commentary is speaking from a different perspective. Mizrachi sees the ethical principle – an example of humility and proper behaviour. Gur Aryeh speaks from a legal point of view – the plague doesn’t legally exist until confirmed by the priest. The Tosphot Yom Tov speaks from the spiritual context of good omens, luck and blessings.

2. What moral principle can be learned from Rashi's commentary?

Modesty and humility.

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Ten Minutes of Torah was prepared by Rabbi Chaim Weiner, based on the methods of Prof. Nechama Leibowitz. Rabbi Weiner studied and corresponded with Prof. Leibowitz for several years.

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Jewish Journeys

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Girona - Spain

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Led by Rabbi Chaim Weiner

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Home of Ramban

Most important Jewish Centre in Spain

Fascinating history in beautiful Medieval city

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