YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Emor
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.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
