PIRKEI AVOS/ETHICS OF THE FATHERS ________________4:4
"Rabbi
Yochanon ben Beroka said: Whoever desecrates the Name of Heaven in
private will be reprimanded in public. The same level of accountability
pertains to a person who desecrates the Name of Heaven, whether he
acted intentionally or unintentionally."
The
desecration of the Name of Heaven applies to a misdeed that weakens
other people's commitment to Mitzvah observance. For instance, let's
assume that Shimon, an observant Jew, speaks abusively to his
employees. His peers might mistakenly conclude: He is observant and he speaks abusively. Therefore it is acceptable if I also speak abusively. Shimon has desecrated the Name of Heaven because other people will adapt his disrespectful treatment of people, which is a violation of the Torah.
The term used to denote a desecration of Heaven is Chilul HaShem. The Zohar explains that the word Chilul means
hollow or void. Let us understand this enigma. The Divine Presence of
HaShem fills the entire world. However, when a person desecrates the
Name of Heaven, the Divine Presence departs from that location.
Therefore, it is as if a desecration of the Name of Heaven renders that
part of the world be "void" of HaShem.
On
the other hand, when a person sanctifies the Name of Heaven, he
performs a good deed that inspires others to strengthen their Mitzvah
observance. For instance, if an observant Jew greets people with a
friendly smile, other people will be motivated to emulate his admirable
behavior. A positive act that influences others to improve their
conduct is called Kiddush HaShem. The word Kiddush means holiness, i.e., his exemplary conduct awakens an increase of the holiness of HaShem to be revealed in the world.
[Based on the commentary of Rav Chaim Voloshin]
TODAY: Perform a good deed that encourages others to act with kindness.
Important Numbers
