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Although the commentaries put most effort into explaining telech rachil, much can be learned from the word, b’amecha, which translates, in your nation. The Netziv claims that it delineates to whom the commandment applies, to our nation. This explanation gives the word a technical function, providing information about the commandment’s parameters, but not defining its essence. We may note that when the Torah wants to teach that limitation, it usually uses reacha or amitecha, your friend or compatriot. Two p’sukim after this one the Torah refers to the commandment applying to "b’nei amecha," the people of your nation, which seems to be a more precise usage.
A lot can be learned from the Ramban’s understanding of b’amecha. First, let us see a little background. The gemara (Arachin 16a), in a related context within the laws of lashon hara, coins a phrase, "chavrach chavra it lei," your friend has a friend. This illustrates that the "juicy information" that a handful of people are told makes it through the grapevine to many friends and acquaintances. The Ramban explains, along these lines, that the gossip one tells his friend about a third person will likely be known by the nation, or at least a sizable part of it.
This concept of the word spreading can be understood to warn of lashon hara’s severity from a quantitative perspective. Not only will a couple people know the potentially damaging information, but the masses will. However, it can also highlight the unique element of the aveira of lashon hara. Sins between man and his Maker usually involve one person, the sinner. Sins between man and man generally involve a minimum of two people, the oppressor and the oppressed. Lashon hara is a unique sin in that it directly involves at least three people, the gossiper, the recipient of the information, and the subject of the gossip. As the Ramban points out, this is the tip of the iceberg, as the word may spread to others. The point, though, is that it is a public sin, almost by definition. Indeed lashon hara creates negative terms of engagement for the interaction of society on all levels.
Let us pray and strive to have a nation that interacts in a manner of looking for what is good in each other.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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
