Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Teflon Don

 There is much discussion about reward for righteousness and punishment for sin in the gemora, However there is a category of the wicked which clearly indicates the lack of apparent justice in this world. That is  those who are successful in spite of behavior and midos which typically discredit most human beings. They are those who are typically  described in our society as having teflon coatings - nothing negative lowers their status

Berachos (07b) It is permitted to contend with the wicked in this world. For it is said: They that forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. It has been taught to the same effect: R. Dosthai son of R. Mattun says: It is permitted to contend with the wicked in this world. For it is said: ‘They that forsake the law praise the wicked, etc.’ — Should somebody whisper to you: But is it not written: Contend not with evil-doers, neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness, then you may tell him: Only one whose conscience smites him says so. In fact, ‘Contend not with evil-doers’, means, to be like them; ‘neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness’, means, to be like them. And so it is said: Let not thy heart envy sinners, but be in the fear of the Lord all the day. But this is not so! For R. Isaac said: If you see a wicked man upon whom fortune is smiling, do not attack him. For it is said: His ways prosper at all times. And more than that, he is victorious in the court of judgment; for it is said: Thy judgments are far above out of his sight. And still more than that, he sees the discomfiture of his enemies; for it is said: As for all his adversaries, he puffs at them.

Megila (06b) If you see a wicked man being favored by fortune do not contend with him, as it says, Do not contend with evildoers. Nor is this all, but he may even prosper in his undertakings, as it says, His ways prosper at all times. Nor is this all, but he may even be declared right, as it says, Thy judgments are far above out of his sight. Nor is this all, but he may even triumph over his enemies, as it says, As for all his adversaries, he puffs at them.

Pesachim (112a)  Strive to be on good terms with the man upon whom the hour smiles. R. Papa observed: That does not mean to buy from or to sell to him, but to enter into partnership with him. But now that R. Samuel b. Isaac said: What is meant by the verse, Thou hast blessed the work of his hands? Whoever took a farthing  from Job was blessed; even to buy from and to sell to him is advisable.

Pesachim (113a) strive to be on good terms with him upon whom the hour smiles

2 comments :

  1. Baruch Dayan Ha'Emes my consolations to you dear blog owner, on the loss of your candidate, Kamala Harris.
    You should live and be well, and live to see four more years of Trump/Vance presidency.
    We are also now guaranteed four more years of anti-Trump political content on this blog.
    Trump Derangement Syndrome is very real, and you might want to seek professional help in dealing with the new reality.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your heart felt crocodile tears - typical of a Trump supporter. What drug /therapist would you suggest to protect against seeing reality - you know the one that all Trump supporters take and claim are merely provoking his woke enemies
      Regarding anti trump posts , unfortunately they are generated simply in response to his daily outrages crimes which MAGA delight in
      I am sure you are looking forward to the inevitable presidency of Vance when Trump becomes totally senile or dies from his many ailments. He is clearly anti Israel

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