Ruling out Reflections of Revenge
One Elul, during the week of parashat Shoftim, I was in Montreal, receiving people before delivering a speech. A man came in with his wife and children. As we spoke, I learned that the man intended to leave immediately after our meeting. I importuned him to stay for my speech. I said, “Don’t leave just yet. Stay to hear some words of inspiration. We are in the month of Elul, when everyone seeks ways of strengthening himself in teshuvah and good deeds. It can’t hurt to hear some words of chizuk.”
The man agreed and went into the hall to find seats for his family. During the course of the speech, I mentioned the prohibitions of taking bribery, taking revenge, and bearing a grudge.
After my speech, this man came over to me, very excited. He kissed my hand and thanked me profusely. I asked him for the cause of his enthusiasm. He explained, “Of all the people who saw the Rav before the lecture, I was the only one whom the Rav asked to stay for the speech, even though I was with my family. The Rav usually does not allow children to attend his speeches, because they disturb. But this time, my children did not disturb at all.”
I still did not understand the cause for his rejoicing. He continued, “The Rav’s speech spoke to me on a personal level. I had intentions of taking vengeance against a specific Rabbi for ruling against me. But now, after hearing your speech, I realize that this is wrong. I will accept his ruling without question.
“Additionally, I thought over his ruling, and came to the conclusion that he was right. According to the Torah law, I am guilty and my adversary is innocent. I am most grateful to the Rav for enlightening me and saving me from improper thoughts of vengeance. In the merit of the Rav, I was spared terrible sins.”
“Do not thank me,” I told this man. “Baruch Hashem, I was chosen as the messenger to deliver His missive, which opened your eyes so that you should not sin, chas v’shalom. But think about it. Maybe you did a good deed recently which accrued to your merit and allowed Hashem to save you from these sins.”
