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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Dear Rabbi Hecht,
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful dvar that I particularly enjoyed. It is timely in its message. May we all internalize its message.
Rabbi Raphael Kanter
New Bedford MA
We see from the Gemarah that we are not permitted to use the Given Names of Avodah Zarah as a landmark or a holiday- rather we are encouraged to use mocking nick names for them. This does not sit well with the insight of Moshe's apparent respect for Egyptian idol worship.
ReplyDeleteI think we first have to be careful about what the Hatam Sofer really is saying. It is not that Moshe actually had respect for Egyptian idolatry but that Moshe acted in that manner before the Egyptians. The Hatam Sofer is telling us how to act in front of others for even if we think that their beliefs are foolish, it is improper to just tell them that. My point was that the Hatam Sofer was only saying this after the fourth makka while by the time the tenth makka came around, it was obvious that Hashem was telling us to mock. It is all in the relationship and what I would describe as the potential. The goal is bring someone to God and Torah and the act of mocking at an inappropriate time would drive someone away due to what will be seen as improper behaviour.
ReplyDeleteWith all this in mind, I believe that for ourselves we are to use mocking nicknames as there is no reason that within our world we should show respect.
Thank you for your comment
Rabbi Ben Hecht