- All the Questions
More on heeding the words of Chassidim rebbeim
Question
On the Gemara in Pesachim 42a, Rabbi Yisroel Salanter asks why did the Gemara bring the story about those ignoramuses who came to the door with empty pails of water (mistakenly thinking that “mayim shelanu” means “our water” and not “water that rested overnight”). He explains that it’s to teach us to believe what the rabbi says even though it does not make any sense. Doesn’t this sounds like the Chassidic approach, to heed whether it makes sense or not?
Answer
Midrashim and stories in the Talmud are usually open to many various interpretations, and it’s difficult to prove a position based upon only one possible explanation. The explanation which you offered to that story is similar to the Avnei Nezer’s (a Chassidic rebbe!), but there are many other explanations, as well. For example, the Sfat Emet (even himself a rebbe!) learns from there simply the importance of a rabbi’s wording his teaching so clearly, so that he shouldn’t be misunderstood. R. Eliezer of Metz alternatively suggest that the story is in the Talmud to teach us an halacha, that b’dieved, if one didn’t use “mayim shelanu” (like those ignoramuses, who came in the morning when it was already too late to have the water rest overnight), the matza is still kosher (Beit Yosef, Or. Ch. 445).
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Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Orlah fruit trees
Adar I 5, 5771

Birkat Hamazon - extra verses
Adar II 25, 5771

Gentile Prophets
Adar II 25, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit
Shevat 7, 5771

No sukkah at home
Rabbi David Sperling | Tishrei 7, 5775

No sukkah at home
Rabbi David Sperling | Tishrei 7, 5775

Keeping 1 or 2 days Yom Tov in Israel
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 23 Nisan 5766
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Investing in a Corporate Bond ETF
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tishrei 12, 5784
Is a ger with a Levi father a Levi?
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chelev oblation
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Elul 25, 5783
