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Naturally involved in that horrible event due to his role as responsible for internal security in Shaul’s regime was Avner ben Ner. What his specific role was is less clear. We are told that the servants of Shaul did not agree to carry out the assassination order (Shmuel I, 22:17). The Yerushalmi (Sanhedrin 10:2) says that the one who refused was Avner, and for this he is to be praised. Yet, we do find that Avner was himself killed a few years later by Yoav ben Tzruyah, David’s chief of staff, after David had come to an agreement with him that would end the civil war between Shaul’s son, whom Avner had supported, in return for a prominent post in David’s administration. For what sin was he punished?
One answer is provided by the gemara in Sanhedrin (20a). It says that he should have protested against Shaul’s decree. Apparently, it is not enough to refuse to carry out an unethical command of a king, but one must try to undo the command, which Avner failed to do. A second opinion in that gemara claims that he did try to stop Shaul but that he was punished for holding back David’s ascent to a unified throne for over two years. His efforts to end the civil war were too little or at least too late in this regard.
A third opinion is found in the Yerushalmi (Peah 1:1) regarding a different element of the tension between Shaul and David. David twice came close to Shaul in a manner that he could have killed him but did not, to prove to Shaul that he had no intentions to cause him harm. Once David cut off the corner of Shaul’s garment, and once he took his water pitcher and his sword. These events almost overcame Shaul’s paranoia in regard to David but were a great source of embarrassment to Avner, who was responsible for Shaul’s safety. According to this approach, Avner convinced Shaul that David had just chanced upon Shaul’s property and did not in fact get close enough to kill him, thus keeping the feud going and causing much unnecessary hatred and bloodshed.
Whichever approach we may accept, they all have one common denominator that is worthwhile to remember this time of year, during sefira. While different people are expected to have different viewpoints and interests, it is of utmost importance that these not spill over into animosity which all too often has tragic circumstances.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
