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Hypocrisy is the greatest enemy of religious leaders. Fallen clergy are the stuff of legend already, let alone popular literature and investigative media. They are especially vulnerable because of their usual posture of moral self-righteousness and their penchant for criticizing sharply those whom they feel to be derelict in their behavior, policies or thoughts and attitudes. Thus when their faults are exposed it is not only they that fall but they take down the faith that they represent as well. The tendency in certain religious circles and society to glorify its leadership to the extent that these people become superhuman only exacerbates the vulnerability to the accusation of hypocrisy. The Hasmonean king, Alexander Yannai, is recorded in the Talmud as warning his son against those "who behave as Zimri but expect to be rewarded as though they were Pinchas." Hypocrisy was seen as a greater sin in public life than being a Saducee. For hypocrisy when revealed drags down the entire structures of idealism and morality that once were represented by this now newly discovered hypocrite. Religious leaders have to therefore be careful not only in their private behavior, for in our times all private behavior eventually becomes public knowledge, but in their public statements regarding matters of moral and human behavior patterns. The Talmud warned the wise men of Israel to be very circumspect in their statements and words. Overstatements lead to exposure. Creating idols out of men, no matter how worthy and holy they may be - and there are many such people still in our midst, thank God - is dangerous and against Torah principles. It certainly raises the specter of hypocrisy to a warning level.
The very recent fall from grace and office of political leaders in the United States because of their immoral behavior was hastened by the fact that they portrayed themselves as crusaders for family values, ethical business relationships and honesty in all matters of public and private behavior. This high standard promise and demand doomed them when their own failings were revealed to the public. The public loves to punish a hypocrite, to puncture the balloon of pompous self-righteousness and personal infallibility. The Torah teaches us that there are no perfect people extant. Even the righteous have failings and sins. This is meant to therefore create a spirit of humility in all humans, especially in those who find themselves in leadership and influential positions. Arrogance leads to brazen claims, overstatements, hasty judgments and great risks. Pride and hubris go before a fall. It is stated in the name of the Gaon of Vilna that he predicted that later generations would be dominated by external appearances and posturing and not by true inner beliefs and purer motives. The greater the emphasis on externals, the more likelihood of the accusations of hypocrisy will occur. It is possible to recover from mistakes, errors and foolish behavior. But it is almost impossible for the public person in any forum to recover from the charge of hypocrisy if proven against him or her
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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)
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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
