14 July 2022 · A sentence from the teachings of Rav Kook
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„A person cannot possibly fail to find within themselves some natural…”
„A person cannot possibly fail to find within themselves some natural hatred toward the enemies of their soul and the persecutors of their people. It must come precisely from one who is wholly pure and holy to God, in whose heart the trait of natural hatred does not exist at all.”From Olat Re'iyah, Birkat HaMinim
Our drives may lead us to a self-interested hatred. Therefore the Blessing Against the Heretics (in the Amidah), which speaks against rather than in favor, is a blessing whose author is Shmuel HaKatan, who said, "When your enemy falls, do not rejoice." And so, all matters that involve criticism, denunciation, accusation, and condemnation must come from whole hearts, from people who are truly refined. "Do not judge a person until you reach their place." It is fitting that we remember this through the repairs in this week's portion, and in general through the challenges standing before us.
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.