Once started, I didn’t stop. I told him how today's generation is incredibly good considering the huge temptations that are accessible to all. Despite the formidable enticement of today's world, every single Jew is full of good deeds. In fact, the Talmud states that “the worst sinners of Israel are full of good deeds as a pomegranate is full of seeds.”
Today’s Generation – Pesach
This past week I met a fellow at LaGuardia airport. We exchanged greetings. He asked what I do, so I told him about Chabad on Campus. He said that he too was in Jewish communal work. He noted that he viewed his work as being important because he stopped people from sinning. I was aghast. Sinning? Instead of focusing on the sinning, why not focus on the good and view one’s purpose as encouraging goodness?
Once started, I didn’t stop. I told him how today’s generation is incredibly good considering the huge temptations that are accessible to all. Despite the formidable enticement of today’s world, every single Jew is full of good deeds. In fact, the Talmud states that “the worst sinners of Israel are full of good deeds as a pomegranate is full of seeds.”
The Rebbe was once questioned as to the meaning of this Talmudic aphorism. If one is termed a “sinner” by the Talmud, how could they possess so many good deeds? The Rebbe countered that his question was similar but just the opposite. If one possesses so many good deeds, how could they be termed a “sinner?”
We need to celebrate each individual good deed without maligning the accomplishment by reminding how much one doesn’t do. Of course, this must not be done at the expense of encouraging growth. Nu, Nu, so that is the challenge.
Let’s focus on current affairs. Pesach is nearly here so I’ll share a thought from the Pesach Haggadah.
The famous siblings found in the Haggadah are the Four Sons. They are The Wise Son, the Wicked Son, the Simple Son and the Son Who Does Not Know How to Ask. Each is spoken to according to their level. Take the Wicked Son. His question is “What is this service to you?!” He excludes himself from the community with his language of “to you.”
Then the answer comes right at him. He is answered: “It is because of this that the L-rd did for me when I left Egypt, ‘for me’ – but not for him! If he had been there, he would not have been redeemed!” Now what kind of answer is that to a guy who is asking a legitimate question? While perhaps a bit rude, certainly he shouldn’t be rejected! After all, he is nevertheless participating in the Seder despite his apparent wickedness.
The Rebbe explains: One must read the language very carefully. The Wicked Son is told had he been “there” meaning at the Exodus from Egypt, he would not have been allowed to participate. But that is the case only “there” in Egypt. Then he would have been excluded as he excluded himself. However, from current Jewish life and the imminent Redemption he is never going to be rejected. On the contrary, he is seated next to the Wise Son so as to allow the two to talk and for the good influence of the Wise Son to rub off on the Wicked Son to make him good. The fact that he is at the Seder is in itself an indication of the unbreakable bond that he possesses.
My friends, the net is that we have to love every Jew with all our heart and soul! L“Chaim!!
May G-d guard our brethren in Israel and the world over from harm and send us Moshiach speedily. May He protect the armed forces of Israel and the United States wherever they may be. Shabbat Shalom! Chag Kasher V’Sameach! Chazak!!!
This Torah Thought is dedicated in loving memory of Schabse Noach ben Moshe z”l and in honor of the immediate complete restoration to good health of two small children, Ruchama Aliza Sara Chana bas Esther Lieba (babyaliza.com) and Brocha Rivka bas Esther Yehudis, amongst “sha’ar choilei Yisroel!”
