Sicha, Shabbos Parshas Voeschanan 5737
And Sicha, Shabbos Parshas Chukas 5741
A. Shmuel the Small
Mishnah 19 quotes a saying from “Shmuel the Small” cautioning not to rejoice in the downfall of one’s enemy. He acquired the moniker “small” owing to his extraordinary respect for others’ dignity, even at the cost of his own honor (Source 1). The Talmud tells of a heavenly voice proclaiming he had prophetic abilities. (Source 2)
Is rejoicing at an enemy’s downfall really forbidden? In Jewish history there are many examples of expressions of joy at the enemy’s downfall, first and foremost the song of Moses and the people at the Red Sea. It would therefore seem that the Mishnah isn’t discussing enemies of the Jewish people at large, but one’s personal enemies, like a neighbor or colleague.
B. Who is the Enemy?
The Rebbe asks, what is Shmuel the Small adding? He is merely quoting a verse from Proverbs verbatim! (Source 3)
And what is the connection between this Mishnah and the following one about the advantage of studying in one’s youth?
The Rebbe explains the deeper meaning: Shmuel was speaking of intellectual battles between Torah scholars debating the law, and he cautions them not to rejoice when their fellow is proven wrong. We see this also in the famous prayer of Rabbi Nechunya ben Hakana before entering the study hall: “ … that my colleagues will not fail in any matter of law, and that I will rejoice with them.” (Source 4)
In Psalms, King David calls Torah students “enemies” (Source 5). The Talmud notes that they still love each other despite their disagreements (Source 6), but during the argument they are like enemies. This is how Rabbi Akiva’s students “did not treat one another with respect.” In the heat of the argument over the correct understanding of the Torah, it is easy to be dragged into disrespectful behavior. (Source 7)
C. Pure Joy
The Rebbe explains that Shmuel the Small’s call is directed towards the student, cautioning them not to rejoice in their fellow’s downfall. He guides the student to examine whether their joy is pure—a result of arriving at the correct understanding of Torah—or tainted by ego.
Often, what caused the peer’s misunderstanding was not an intellectual failure, but a divine punishment. The Mishnah continues that rejoicing over the “enemy’s” downfall carries a consequence that G-d may punish you in the same manner …
Now we can understand the connection with the following Mishnah: The first Mishnah discusses not rejoicing in the downfall of a Torah scholar who was mistaken in his understanding, and the second Mishnah speaks of one who did not merit to study Torah in their youth, who may also have difficulty in understanding, and we may not ridicule them, because it was not their fault they did not learn Torah as a child.
Story – Charity for Informing
