© 2006 by Robert Lepor. All rights reserved.
[In addition to not directly involving oneself in the conflict], a person should also be cautious to avoid being among those who assist in the quarrel, in order that he will [avoid] punishment when the time comes for that punishment to befall [those who partook in that quarrel]. This follows that which our Sages] have said [in maseches “Makkos”, 5b, as follows]: “The pasuk punishes the one who attaches [himself] to the transgressor, as the transgressor [is punished].”[1] [Similarly, the following is taught] in Midrash Parshas Korach (Bamidbar Rabbah: 18; 4): “Come and take note of the severity of strife, for [concerning] all [of] those who assist in the quarrel, The Holy One, Blessed is He, destroys their remembrance, as it says, “And a fire went out from before HaShem, and it consumed the [two-hundred-and-fifty men who brought the incense.]”” (Bamidbar: 16; 35) [Our Sages of Blessed Memory] have said [in maseches “Sanhedrin”, 110a]: “Rav said, ‘All those who strengthen a dispute, transgress a prohibition, as it says, “…and you shall not be like Korach and his assembly…”’ (Bamidbar: 17; 5) Rav Assi said, ‘It is fitting for him to be afflicted with tzara’as, it is written over here…’”[2] [Furthermore, take note of that which was written] in chapter six [of this sefer, where we quote from] Sefer HaKaneh.[3] [We wrote in the name of Sefer HaKaneh], that, at times, The Holy One, Blessed is He, switches the punishment of tzara’as with poverty, [the participant in the quarrel becoming] a poor person who is placed at the mercy of other people.
The hearty individual will constantly contemplate that which our Sages of Blessed Memory have said in Midrash Rabbah, Parshas Emor (27; 5), on the [following] pasuk [quoted from Koheles]: “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” (Koheles: 3; 15): “Rav Huna said in the name of Rav Yosef: ‘G-d will always seek out the one being pursued. [When] you find a righteous [individual] pursuing a righteous [individual], “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” [If] a righteous [individual] pursues an evil [individual], “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.”’ Rabbi Yihudah said in the name of Rabbi Yosi ben Nihorye: “The Holy One, Blessed is He, always demands the blood of those pursued from the pursuers, you should know that this is so…” Rabbi Elazar said in the name of Rabbi Yosi ben Zimra: “[The above teaching] applies even to sacrifices. The Holy One, Blessed is He, said: “An ox is pursued from before a lion, a goat is pursued from before a leopard, a sheep from before a wolf. Do not offer for Me from [those who are] the pursuers, rather, [offer sacrifices to Me] from those [who] are pursued…”’[4]
[Since] this is [the case that HaShem demands the blood of those pursued from the pursuers], one should contemplate from this [teaching concerning], how greatly a person must distance himself from being among those who assist [in] the quarrel, [for they] pursue one of the sides [of the quarrel]. For, [if they decide to continue involvement in the quarrel, effectively being a “pursuer”], in the end, The Holy One, Blessed is He, will demand the blood [of those whom they pursued], from his hand. [Furthermore], in place of [the person's] hopes to be one of those who are victorious [in the quarrel], and thereby be apportioned honor, in the end he will behold his own shame, for he will be punished with tzara’as and poverty, as was mentioned earlier. However, one who guards himself from [partaking in the] dispute, behold, this [person] is respected before the people, as it says [in Mishlei], “There is honor [that comes to] the person who sits [and refrains from partaking] in the quarrel…” (Mishlei: 20; 3) Our Sages of Blessed Memory have also said[5]: “Just as [is the case] with a dispute that [is ascribed] to [a given person, he being honored] if he is victorious, kal va’chomer[6], if [that person] has entered [into] a quarrel that he did not initiate, [he will punished, as he does not receive the same honor as the one to whom the quarrel belongs].” In this vein, [King Solomon] says [in Mishlei], “One who grabs onto the ears of a passing dog joins a quarrel that is not his.”[7] (Mishlei: 26; 17)
[1] The mishna on “Makkos” (5b) states that if all of the witnesses are proven to be false, all of them are punished, even if there are more than two witnesses.
[2] This passage from the gemara states as follows:
““And Moshe rose up and he went to Dathan and Aviram…” (Bamidbar: 16; 23) Reish Lakish said, ‘From here [we learn] that one does not strengthen a quarrel. For Rav said, ‘All of those who strengthen a quarrel, transgresses a [Torah] prohibition, as it says, “…and you shall not be like Korach and his assembly…”’ (Bamidbar: 17; 5) Rav Ashi said, [that person] is worthy to be inflicted with tzara’as, it is written over here, “And HaShem said to him again, ‘Please bring your hand into your upper garment’…”” (Shmos: 4; 6)
[3] “Sefer HaKaneh” refers to “Sefer HaPiliah”, pg. 21, third column – in the Karetz printing.
[4] “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” (Koheles: 3; 15): “Rav Huna said in the name of Rav Yosef: ‘G-d will always seek out the one being pursued. [When] you find a righteous [individual] pursuing a righteous [individual], “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” An evildoer who pursues a righteous individual, “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” An evildoer who pursues an evildoer, “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” Even [in the case that] a righteous [individual] pursues an evil [individual], “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” In any case, G-d will seek out the one being pursued.’ Rabbi Yihudah ben Rav Simone said in the name of Rabbi Yosi ben Nihorye: “The Holy One, Blessed is He, always demands the blood of those pursued from the pursuers, you should know that this is so, for Hevel was pursued by Kayin, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Hevel, as it says, “…And HaShem turned to Hevel and to his offering.” (Bereishis: 4; 4) Noach was pursued by his generation, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, only chose Noach, as it says, “…For I have seen you before Me as the righteous one in this generation.” (Bereishis: 7; 1) Avraham was pursued by Nimrod, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Avraham, as it says, “You are HaShem, The G-d, for You have chosen in Avram…” (Nechemiah: 9; 7) Yitzchak was pursed before the Plishtim, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Yitzchak, as it says, “…‘We have surely seen that HaShem was with you…” (Bereishis: 26; 28) Ya’akov was pursued from before Eisav, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Ya’akov, as it says, “For HaShem chose Ya’akov…” (Tehillim: 135; 4) Yosef was pursued from before his brothers, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Yosef, as it says, “He has placed a testimony concerning Yosef…” (Tehillim: 81; 6) Moshe was pursued from before Pharaoh, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Moshe, as it says, “…had not Moshe His chosen [stood in the breach before Him]…” (Tehillim: 106; 23) David was pursued from before Shaul, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose David, as it says, “And He chose David, His servant…” (Tehillim: 78; 70) Shaul was pursued from before the Plishtim, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Shaul, as it says, “…’Have you not seen that HaShem has chosen him…” (Shmuel I: 10; 24) [The nation of] Israel is pursued from before the other nations, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Israel, as it says, “…and HaShem has chosen you to be His treasured nation…” (Divarim: 14; 2) Rabbi Elazar said in the name of Rabbi Yosi ben Zimra: “[The above teaching] applies even to sacrifices. The Holy One, Blessed is He, said: “An ox is pursued from before a lion, a goat is pursued from before a leopard, a sheep from before a wolf, do not offer [sacrifices] for Me from the pursuers, rather, [offer sacrifices to Me] from those that are pursued. [The above] follows that which is written, “An ox or a sheep or a goat when it is born, [and it shall be with its mother for seven days, and from the eighth day and onward, it shall be desired as a fire offering to HaShem.]” (Vayikra: 22; 27)”’
[5] This teaching can be found in sefer “Ma’alos HaMiddos”, “Ma’alas HaShalom”, pg. 329 in the Eshkol printing.
[6] “Kal va’chomer”, is loosely translated as “how much more so”.
[7] The commentators on this pasuk (Mishlei: 26; 17) (RaSh”I, MaLBI”M, and Mitzudas David), explain that one who joins a conflict that is not his is comparable to someone who grabs the ears of a passing dog, who, otherwise, has no interest in barking and attacking him. However, once the person grabs onto the dogs ears, the dog will bark at him and bite him. Similarly, when one joins a quarrel that is not his, he is volunteering to be the target of attack for the opposing side of the quarrel. Instead of simply walking past the dog, or refraining from joining the quarrel, the individual could have avoided being the subject of attack and punishment, becomes the target of punishment.
Chapter 17
[In this chapter, we] shall Explain [Concerning] the Great [Extent] to which one should Distance [himself] from Assisting in [a] Quarrel, [this] Even [being the case] if he would be Supporting his Father and his Mother [by partaking in that quarrel. We] shall also Explain that [one] should see to it with all of his Power that he Impose [a state of] Peace.
[In this chapter, we] shall Explain [Concerning] the Great [Extent] to which one should Distance [himself] from Assisting in [a] Quarrel, [this] Even [being the case] if he would be Supporting his Father and his Mother [by partaking in that quarrel. We] shall also Explain that [one] should see to it with all of his Power that he Impose [a state of] Peace.
[In addition to not directly involving oneself in the conflict], a person should also be cautious to avoid being among those who assist in the quarrel, in order that he will [avoid] punishment when the time comes for that punishment to befall [those who partook in that quarrel]. This follows that which our Sages] have said [in maseches “Makkos”, 5b, as follows]: “The pasuk punishes the one who attaches [himself] to the transgressor, as the transgressor [is punished].”[1] [Similarly, the following is taught] in Midrash Parshas Korach (Bamidbar Rabbah: 18; 4): “Come and take note of the severity of strife, for [concerning] all [of] those who assist in the quarrel, The Holy One, Blessed is He, destroys their remembrance, as it says, “And a fire went out from before HaShem, and it consumed the [two-hundred-and-fifty men who brought the incense.]”” (Bamidbar: 16; 35) [Our Sages of Blessed Memory] have said [in maseches “Sanhedrin”, 110a]: “Rav said, ‘All those who strengthen a dispute, transgress a prohibition, as it says, “…and you shall not be like Korach and his assembly…”’ (Bamidbar: 17; 5) Rav Assi said, ‘It is fitting for him to be afflicted with tzara’as, it is written over here…’”[2] [Furthermore, take note of that which was written] in chapter six [of this sefer, where we quote from] Sefer HaKaneh.[3] [We wrote in the name of Sefer HaKaneh], that, at times, The Holy One, Blessed is He, switches the punishment of tzara’as with poverty, [the participant in the quarrel becoming] a poor person who is placed at the mercy of other people.
The hearty individual will constantly contemplate that which our Sages of Blessed Memory have said in Midrash Rabbah, Parshas Emor (27; 5), on the [following] pasuk [quoted from Koheles]: “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” (Koheles: 3; 15): “Rav Huna said in the name of Rav Yosef: ‘G-d will always seek out the one being pursued. [When] you find a righteous [individual] pursuing a righteous [individual], “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” [If] a righteous [individual] pursues an evil [individual], “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.”’ Rabbi Yihudah said in the name of Rabbi Yosi ben Nihorye: “The Holy One, Blessed is He, always demands the blood of those pursued from the pursuers, you should know that this is so…” Rabbi Elazar said in the name of Rabbi Yosi ben Zimra: “[The above teaching] applies even to sacrifices. The Holy One, Blessed is He, said: “An ox is pursued from before a lion, a goat is pursued from before a leopard, a sheep from before a wolf. Do not offer for Me from [those who are] the pursuers, rather, [offer sacrifices to Me] from those [who] are pursued…”’[4]
[Since] this is [the case that HaShem demands the blood of those pursued from the pursuers], one should contemplate from this [teaching concerning], how greatly a person must distance himself from being among those who assist [in] the quarrel, [for they] pursue one of the sides [of the quarrel]. For, [if they decide to continue involvement in the quarrel, effectively being a “pursuer”], in the end, The Holy One, Blessed is He, will demand the blood [of those whom they pursued], from his hand. [Furthermore], in place of [the person's] hopes to be one of those who are victorious [in the quarrel], and thereby be apportioned honor, in the end he will behold his own shame, for he will be punished with tzara’as and poverty, as was mentioned earlier. However, one who guards himself from [partaking in the] dispute, behold, this [person] is respected before the people, as it says [in Mishlei], “There is honor [that comes to] the person who sits [and refrains from partaking] in the quarrel…” (Mishlei: 20; 3) Our Sages of Blessed Memory have also said[5]: “Just as [is the case] with a dispute that [is ascribed] to [a given person, he being honored] if he is victorious, kal va’chomer[6], if [that person] has entered [into] a quarrel that he did not initiate, [he will punished, as he does not receive the same honor as the one to whom the quarrel belongs].” In this vein, [King Solomon] says [in Mishlei], “One who grabs onto the ears of a passing dog joins a quarrel that is not his.”[7] (Mishlei: 26; 17)
[1] The mishna on “Makkos” (5b) states that if all of the witnesses are proven to be false, all of them are punished, even if there are more than two witnesses.
[2] This passage from the gemara states as follows:
““And Moshe rose up and he went to Dathan and Aviram…” (Bamidbar: 16; 23) Reish Lakish said, ‘From here [we learn] that one does not strengthen a quarrel. For Rav said, ‘All of those who strengthen a quarrel, transgresses a [Torah] prohibition, as it says, “…and you shall not be like Korach and his assembly…”’ (Bamidbar: 17; 5) Rav Ashi said, [that person] is worthy to be inflicted with tzara’as, it is written over here, “And HaShem said to him again, ‘Please bring your hand into your upper garment’…”” (Shmos: 4; 6)
[3] “Sefer HaKaneh” refers to “Sefer HaPiliah”, pg. 21, third column – in the Karetz printing.
[4] “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” (Koheles: 3; 15): “Rav Huna said in the name of Rav Yosef: ‘G-d will always seek out the one being pursued. [When] you find a righteous [individual] pursuing a righteous [individual], “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” An evildoer who pursues a righteous individual, “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” An evildoer who pursues an evildoer, “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” Even [in the case that] a righteous [individual] pursues an evil [individual], “And G-d will seek out the one being pursued.” In any case, G-d will seek out the one being pursued.’ Rabbi Yihudah ben Rav Simone said in the name of Rabbi Yosi ben Nihorye: “The Holy One, Blessed is He, always demands the blood of those pursued from the pursuers, you should know that this is so, for Hevel was pursued by Kayin, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Hevel, as it says, “…And HaShem turned to Hevel and to his offering.” (Bereishis: 4; 4) Noach was pursued by his generation, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, only chose Noach, as it says, “…For I have seen you before Me as the righteous one in this generation.” (Bereishis: 7; 1) Avraham was pursued by Nimrod, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Avraham, as it says, “You are HaShem, The G-d, for You have chosen in Avram…” (Nechemiah: 9; 7) Yitzchak was pursed before the Plishtim, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Yitzchak, as it says, “…‘We have surely seen that HaShem was with you…” (Bereishis: 26; 28) Ya’akov was pursued from before Eisav, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Ya’akov, as it says, “For HaShem chose Ya’akov…” (Tehillim: 135; 4) Yosef was pursued from before his brothers, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Yosef, as it says, “He has placed a testimony concerning Yosef…” (Tehillim: 81; 6) Moshe was pursued from before Pharaoh, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Moshe, as it says, “…had not Moshe His chosen [stood in the breach before Him]…” (Tehillim: 106; 23) David was pursued from before Shaul, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose David, as it says, “And He chose David, His servant…” (Tehillim: 78; 70) Shaul was pursued from before the Plishtim, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Shaul, as it says, “…’Have you not seen that HaShem has chosen him…” (Shmuel I: 10; 24) [The nation of] Israel is pursued from before the other nations, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, chose Israel, as it says, “…and HaShem has chosen you to be His treasured nation…” (Divarim: 14; 2) Rabbi Elazar said in the name of Rabbi Yosi ben Zimra: “[The above teaching] applies even to sacrifices. The Holy One, Blessed is He, said: “An ox is pursued from before a lion, a goat is pursued from before a leopard, a sheep from before a wolf, do not offer [sacrifices] for Me from the pursuers, rather, [offer sacrifices to Me] from those that are pursued. [The above] follows that which is written, “An ox or a sheep or a goat when it is born, [and it shall be with its mother for seven days, and from the eighth day and onward, it shall be desired as a fire offering to HaShem.]” (Vayikra: 22; 27)”’
[5] This teaching can be found in sefer “Ma’alos HaMiddos”, “Ma’alas HaShalom”, pg. 329 in the Eshkol printing.
[6] “Kal va’chomer”, is loosely translated as “how much more so”.
[7] The commentators on this pasuk (Mishlei: 26; 17) (RaSh”I, MaLBI”M, and Mitzudas David), explain that one who joins a conflict that is not his is comparable to someone who grabs the ears of a passing dog, who, otherwise, has no interest in barking and attacking him. However, once the person grabs onto the dogs ears, the dog will bark at him and bite him. Similarly, when one joins a quarrel that is not his, he is volunteering to be the target of attack for the opposing side of the quarrel. Instead of simply walking past the dog, or refraining from joining the quarrel, the individual could have avoided being the subject of attack and punishment, becomes the target of punishment.
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