Welcome to the Nishma Insight Discussion Forum blog.
The NISHMA INSIGHT is our popular dvar Torah, distributed almost every week by e-mail, that touches upon an important concept in the Parsha, theme in a holiday or event in contemporary society.
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Friday, August 12, 2011
Insight 5771-40: Lo Techaneim
ForV'etchanan
Not yet available on the Nishma website.
This Insight is so very relevant to modern society. It can be incredibly difficult knowing how to relate to those who hold beliefs that either close to being, or are, in fact idolatrous. Thank you for clarifying the distinction between the group and the individual.
The distinction between hashgacha pratit and hashgacha klalit comes to mind in regard to this whole issue and approach. While we usually think of this idea in regard to the distinction between the animal kingdom -- in which we are to think in terms of klalit -- and humanity -- in which we are to think in terms of pratit -- the Rambam's view of hashgacha pratit as not applying to all humanity may provide a perspective that furthers the ideas in the Insight. It may be that we are to view the idolater in a manner in which we look at the animal kingdom. This idea, while it would seem to connect nicely with Rambam's view, may actually extend to other views as well. This is not to say that idolaters are animals -- although they would seem to have some aspects of barbarianism within them -- but the connection does further our understanding of how we are to apply a focus on the group and a focus on the indiviual. It should be remembered that even with animals there is a value in expressing kindness to them, especially as creations of God. Rabbi Ben Hecht
Nishma Insights are sent regularly to subscribers either by email or by mail. Selected Insights are also available at the Nishma Website through the Insight index.
This Insight is so very relevant to modern society. It can be incredibly difficult knowing how to relate to those who hold beliefs that either close to being, or are, in fact idolatrous. Thank you for clarifying the distinction between the group and the individual.
ReplyDeleteThe distinction between hashgacha pratit and hashgacha klalit comes to mind in regard to this whole issue and approach. While we usually think of this idea in regard to the distinction between the animal kingdom -- in which we are to think in terms of klalit -- and humanity -- in which we are to think in terms of pratit -- the Rambam's view of hashgacha pratit as not applying to all humanity may provide a perspective that furthers the ideas in the Insight. It may be that we are to view the idolater in a manner in which we look at the animal kingdom. This idea, while it would seem to connect nicely with Rambam's view, may actually extend to other views as well. This is not to say that idolaters are animals -- although they would seem to have some aspects of barbarianism within them -- but the connection does further our understanding of how we are to apply a focus on the group and a focus on the indiviual. It should be remembered that even with animals there is a value in expressing kindness to them, especially as creations of God.
ReplyDeleteRabbi Ben Hecht