By Rabbi Yosef Shemtov
We see a big tragedy at the end of this week’s Torah portion when Benei Israel were camping in the desert. The pasuk says there was a certain person whose mother was Jewish but his father was Egyptian and (G-d forbid) he cursed HaShem. The pasuk continues that people were shocked and didn’t know what his punishment would be. And then HaShem said anyone who curses HaShem is liable to death.
The commentators explain that this guy had an argument with the tribe of Dan. Since his mother was from that tribe, he identified himself with them and wanted to put his tent in their section. But they didn’t let him camp there saying, “we go by the father’s side and since your father was not a Jew therefore you don’t belong in our section.
This man got angry and started cursing HaShem. Let’s analyze this episode. First of all, Gemara says getting angry is like serving idols. We see clearly this man’s anger caused him to sin and eventually cost him his life. Because when one gets angry, his computer shuts down and he can do anything irrational.
But let’s look at the other side of the story. Those people caused this guy to do the biggest sin. Just because they were right in judgment doesn’t mean that they had to act upon that; rather they could have let go. Many times people act by the letter of the law, but not knowingly can make and cause a khilul HaShem. We need to learn that sometimes we need to close our eyes and let other people also be right. Of course it is hard judgment but a competent Rav can tell you when you can let go.
Shabbat Shalom