Author: rabbi

We have heard and perhaps even spoken a permutation of the phrase “there’s no
law against it.” This phrase usually informs one who is critical of your actions that
you do not feel that you are doing anything wrong. Are some actions wrong even if
there is nothing to prohibit them? I Samuel 25 is a ripe text for an analysis of this
issue.

I have discovered from conversations with friends, colleagues and acquaintances
who relate that they are tired, stressed, burnt out and overwhelmed, is that they all
share one common denominator. The common denominator is that they possess a
very extensive “to do” list. Their refrains are “I must take the kids to practice,” “I
have to finish my work project,” I must do minor home repairs,” or ”I have to go
shopping.” I have to… I must…. and very soon eighteen hours of the day are
consumed by the “to do” lists. It is no wonder that they are burnt out!

In classic rabbinic exegesis every word, phrase and letter in the Tanak (Bible) has
significance and can be the subject of exposition. Bereshit (Genesis) 6:9
demonstrates this principal during an exchange between Reish Lakish and Rabbi
Yohanan (they were 2nd generation Amoraim/teachers and study partners, 250-290 CE).

ב אמת” true and certain” is a prayer recited in the liturgy of יתִ רֲחַ ש) the
morning service). This prayer extols the many virtues of God and among the
virtues are truth and certainty. Contemplating the opening words of this prayer
ויציב אמת” true and certain,” recalls the Elijah cycle of stories in I Kings 17.

David dispatches envoys to console and comfort Hanun, however the princes in Hanun’s
inner circle convince him that David’s men are spies on a reconnaissance mission. The
envoys are abused by having their beards partially shaved and clothing cut, exposing their
buttocks. When David learns of their mistreatment, a bloody war ensues and more than
seven thousand men are killed.