There once was a holy rabbi who would not agree to deliver a sermon unless he received payment.
His fee was not high, and he certainly was not a materialistic person. We are speaking about a holy Jew named Rabbi Mendel Barer, one of the disciples of Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, whom the Baal Shem Tov himself called “the holy rabbi, a wonder of the generation, a man of G-d.” And yet, he would not preach without receiving payment in advance.
It sounds surprising when speaking about a person of such stature, but he had a fascinating explanation. He said: Who am I to rebuke another Jew? By what right should I do this? In the times of the Temple there were prophets whom G-d Himself commanded to bring His word to the people—even to say difficult things when necessary. But today, when we do not have such instruction, I am willing to speak and express my opinion about the behavior of others only if I must.
So when I am given a few coins for a sermon, I become obligated to speak. Why? Because according to the Torah I am obligated to provide for my household. My profession is that of a preacher. In other words, the tool with which I support my family is delivering sermons, and when I am paid I am not allowed to refuse. Moreover, I actually have an obligation to speak—I am fulfilling a mitzvah.
The Rebbe shared this story on the 21st of Av, 5744 (1984), together with a heartfelt plea—not to rebuke or speak harshly about another Jew unless one has been instructed by G-d to do so.
The Rebbe was essentially saying: Do not choose for yourself the doubtful honor of being the one who rebukes and reprimands, the one who points out and emphasizes another person’s shortcomings. Speak good, not bad.
For the past few months, I have removed from my phone the apps known as “social networks.” When I removed them, it was mainly to free up time that was being wasted—but as the days and weeks passed, I discovered that beyond the extra time, a great deal of clean space opened up in my mind and heart as well. It’s simple logic: when you read less negativity, sarcasm, criticism, and even hatred from every direction, you carry less and less of that poison with you.
I recommend that everyone try taking a break—their soul will thank them. 🌿
In any case, on this Shabbat of Parshat Acharei Mot–Kedoshim, when we read the verse “Love your fellow as yourself,”I would like to take this upon myself and suggest to all my dear readers that before we speak about another person, before we write to someone, before we press “send,” we pause for just one moment to make sure it aligns well with “Love your fellow as yourself.”
Shabbat Shalom