Zos Habrocha (Simchas Torah)

"Look how happy Yanky is. He must have gotten that job that he wanted."
"No, he didn't get it. He is just happy for the person who did get it."

"And G-d showed him (Moshe) the whole land." (Divorim 34:1) Even though
going into Israel was Moshe's greatest desire, as a punishment (Bimidbar
20:12) he wasn't allowed this privilege. Despite this, we see that G-d shows
Moshe the land. The Ramban explains that G-d knew how much Moshe loved the
Jews and that he would rejoice in seeing what they would receive, even
though he couldn't go there !!

How happy are you for other people's good fortune??

Have a great Shabbos, Succos and Yom Tov !!

Rabbi Chaim Flom
__________________________________________________

Dear Rabbi Flom,
I appreciate all of your divrei Torah. There is no "but" to that comment, but how can we reach "Yanky's" or Moshe's level?
Sincerely,
Mark

Dear Mark,
Here too, I'm not saying it is an easy goal to reach, but at least if we are aware of what we should be doing, we can start focusing on it and move in that direction. Also, as the Ramban mentioned, part of the way we can feel for others is by loving others. Also, if we realize that ultimately, my money that I make is regulated by Hashem, I won't be jealous of money that others make, and I can feel happy for them.
There is much more to be said about the topic, but we certainly have a solid starting point.
Take care.
Rabbi Flom

Does this apply to non-jews as well?

AK

Dear Avrumie,
Thanks for your question.
Everyone is aware of the concept of "sheva mitzvos bnai Noah", that non-Jews are obligated in 7 mitzvos.[According to the Rambam they are 1)Avodah zara -Idolatry 2)Blaspheming-cursing G-d with His name 3)Murder 4)Illicit relationships (includes man & man) 5)Stealing 6) Setting up leagal systems 7) Aiver min hachai-ripping off a piece of meat from a live animal.]However, they are also responsible for "bein adam lechaveiro" people to people mitzvos. We see that Sedom was wiped out because they didn't give charity. Aye, that isn't one of the 7 mitzvos? It must be that there are a number of other things that they are obligated to do. [By the way, this also explains according to some meforshim why we don't make a bracha on giving tzedaka or other "bein adam lechaveiro" mitzvos: In brachas we say "Who has commanded US in His mitzvos...", and goyim are also obligated!!! Therefore we can't make the bracha!!
In short, goyim are also obligated to feel the happiness of others.
Take care.
Rabbi Flom

Dear Rabbi Flom,
I thought that the reason you don't make a bracha on Tzedaka is because maybe the other person won't take it.(Not that I really understand what that means.If a poor guy asks for money, he'll take it.)
Sincerely,
Mark

Dear Mark,
Thanks for your question.
Truth is, I simplified the answer to Avrumie's question. All of these issues are really arguments in the Rishonim. The Rashba (Teshuva 18) writes 8 different reasons why Chazal did NOT institute brachos on certian things. He mentions by Tzeddaka maybe the person won't take it. I don't think (as you correctly asked) that he means there are big chances that the poor person won't take, I think it is because in theory it depends on another person. On a possibly related note, there is aa argument between the Rama and the Pri Chadash (Orach Chaim 695:4) if a person DOES NOT accept my shalach manos on Purim if I fulfilled my obligation (Rama) or not (Pri Chadash). Actually there I think the Rama's idea is that since shalach manos is to create friendship, it is accomplished just by offering the gift.(ie. The Rama doesn't say this by matanos le'evyonim, because giving money to poor people is accomplished when they get the money.)
Take care.
Rabbi Flom

Rebbi:
Perhaps I mispoke. Are Jews obligated to rejoice for non-jews, including ben adam l'chavero?
YFT,
AK

quote:

Originally posted by Fine:
I thought that the reason you don't make a bracha on Tzedaka is because maybe the other person won't take it.(Not that I really understand what that means.If a poor guy asks for money, he'll take it.)

Mark,

Without belabouring the issue of why we do not make a blessing over Tzedakka, I think I remember reading in the beginning of Tractate Hagigah that a man is always expected to give "Tzedakka Baseter" (alms, or charity, in secret). The reason given there is so that the poor man will not be embarrassed publicly by your giving him money.

David

quote:

Originally posted by Avi Kahn:
Rebbi:
Perhaps I mispoke. Are Jews obligated to rejoice for non-jews, including ben adam l'chavero?
YFT,
AK

Dear Avrumie,
Actually, there is a machlokes if "veahavta lerayacha kamocho" applies to me loving a goy. ie According to the Sifri the term "rayacha" is a Jew. However, even if not, my concern for others should have me feel happy for non-Jews that I know.
YFR
Rabbi Flom

quote:

Originally posted by David Ben-Abraham:

quote:

Originally posted by Fine:
I thought that the reason you don't make a bracha on Tzedaka is because maybe the other person won't take it.(Not that I really understand what that means.If a poor guy asks for money, he'll take it.)

Mark,

Without belabouring the issue of why we do not make a blessing over Tzedakka, I think I remember reading in the beginning of Tractate Hagigah that a man is always expected to give "Tzedakka Baseter" (alms, or charity, in secret). The reason given there is so that the poor man will not be embarrassed publicly by your giving him money.

David

Dear David,
The Gemara in Chagiga 5a that you referred to, says that if I give a person charity publically, and therefore he is embarrassed, it is better had I not given him at all. (If he asked for it in public, and I gave it to him nicely, that doesn't apply.)
It is interesting, that the Rambam in Hilchos Matonos Aneeim 10:7-14 where he mentions the 8 levels of giving charity, DOESN"T mention that case. Probably, because since the Gemara says that it is better not to give at all, that doesn't make it into the 8 levels of giving. (The lowest level was giving with a frown, but at least it wasn't public embarrassment.)
Take care.
Chaim Flom

Dear Rabbi Flom,
What are the "8 levels" of giving charity?
Sincerely,
Mark

Dear Mark,
The Rambam (laws of "gifts to the poor, chapter 10:7-14)writes 8 levels of Tzeddaka. It is also in the Shulchan Oruch. 1) Giving a person help so that he can get on his feet.ie If you give a poor person a meal, that is only a temporary fix. A job is much better. 2)Giving charity where neither the donor nor the recipient are aware of each other. 3)The giver knows who the recipient is, but the recipient doesn't know who the donor is. 4) The receiver knows the giver, but the giver doesn't know the receiver. 5)Giving to the poor person before the poor person asks. 6) Giving to the poor person after he asks. 7)Giving less than the poor person needs,but giving very politely. 8) Giving in an irritated manner.
I hope that this was helpful.
Take care.
Rabbi Flom