๐ Introduction
This summary presents the essential points of Rav Himi's teaching: the depth of the concept of Chilul Hashem, the importance of preserving the divine image in man, and the intimate relationship between humanity and the Creator. The emphasis is on understanding that every human action has cosmic and spiritual repercussions.
Primary sources: Parashat Ki Tetse, Rashi, teachings of the Sages on the divine image, Talmud on Ben Sorer Umore.
๐ณ The Law of the Hanged: Preserving Divine Honor
Rav Himi begins with the mitzvah concerning one who is executed and hanged from a tree. The Torah commands not to leave the body hanging all night because it is "ืื ืงืืืช ืืืืื ืชืืื" - "for a hanged one is a curse of God".
- The Fundamental Question: How can an executed criminal be connected to divine honor? What connects this man to God?
- Rashi's Explanation: Since man is created in the divine image (Betselem Elokim), seeing a hanged human body constitutes an affront to the Creator.
- The Parable of Two Brothers: Two twin brothers - one becomes king, the other a bandit. When the bandit is hanged, people say: "The king is hanged!" This resemblance causes the affront.
- Spiritual Application: Even the worst criminal retains within him the divine imprint that cannot be dishonored.
The divine image in man is so deeply rooted that it remains even in the criminal, and his dishonor constitutes a Chilul Hashem.
๐ฅ The Profound Concept of Chilul Hashem
Rav Himi explores the deep meaning of Chilul Hashem beyond its superficial understanding.
Etymology and Meaning
The word "Chilul" comes from "ืืื" (Halal) which means "empty", "vacant space". Chilul Hashem thus consists of emptying reality of the divine presence, creating a space where God seems absent.
- Divine Presence: When we act according to divine will, we fill the world with His presence.
- Created Absence: Our bad actions "empty" reality of divinity, creating a spiritual void.
- Cosmic Responsibility: Every Jew has the power to reveal or hide the divine presence in the world.
- Divine Partnership: God needs our actions to reveal Himself in creation.
๐ "More than you need Me, I need you"
Rav Himi reveals a profound teaching: the mutual dependence between God and His people, illustrated by Rabbi Yochanan's teaching.
Rabbi Yochanan's Teaching
Rabbi Yochanan teaches something "that would be impossible to say if it weren't written": God says to Israel: "More than you need Me, I need you."
Like a king without subjects is not really a king, God reveals Himself as universal King through our actions and our recognition of His sovereignty.
When we recite the 13 attributes of mercy and recognize God as King, we "crown" God and fill reality with His presence.
- Divine Coronation: Our prayers and mitzvot "crown" God as King of the world.
- Spiritual Reality: Without our divine service, we create a void in reality.
- Active Partnership: We are God's active partners in revealing His glory.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ The Ben Sorer Umore: Paternal Love vs. Justice
Rav Himi addresses the tragic case of the "stubborn and rebellious son" to illustrate the tension between divine justice and paternal love.
The Apparent Contradiction
How can one reconcile the execution of a rebellious son with the concept that striking someone constitutes a double offense: against the person AND against the divine image they bear?
- Double Offense: Striking another = offense against the person + offense against the divine image.
- Exceptional Process: The Ben Sorer Umore can only be executed after an extraordinary process before the Sanhedrin.
- Divine Intervention: God Himself "restrains" the execution because He cannot bear to see His "son" put to death.
- Future Resurrection: Even in this extreme case, the Torah speaks of future resurrection: "I will bring you out of your graves".
Even facing the worst rebellion, God remains the loving Father who cannot bear the destruction of His children.
๐ Resurrection and Final Redemption
Rav Himi connects the theme of preserving the divine image with the promise of the resurrection of the dead.
Why Resurrection?
God will resurrect us "ืึฐืึทืขึทื ืฉึฐืืืึน" - "for the honor of His Name". To prevent the nations from saying: "How can God abandon the people He brought out of Egypt with so many miracles?"
- Divine Honor: Resurrection preserves God's honor before the nations.
- Historical Continuity: God cannot "abandon" the people who witnessed His greatness.
- Sanctification of the Name: Resurrection transforms Chilul Hashem into Kidush Hashem.
๐ฏ To Remember: Rav Himi's Key Principles
- Indestructible Divine Image: Every human being bears the divine imprint that cannot be erased.
- Cosmic Responsibility: Our actions fill or empty the world of divine presence.
- Divine Partnership: God "needs" our actions to reveal Himself in the world.
- The People = The Ben Sorer Umore is the people of Israel when we don't do God's will.: Israel in rebellion remains God's beloved child.
- Eternal Paternal Love: God cannot definitively abandon His people, even when rebellious.
1. Respect for the Divine Image
Before each interaction, remember that you are facing the divine image. Treat each person with the respect due to this dignity.
2. Avoiding Chilul Hashem
In your daily actions, ask yourself: "Does this reveal or hide the divine presence?" Choose what sanctifies the divine Name.
3. Daily Coronation
Each morning, consciously recite the 13 attributes of mercy with the intention of "crowning" God as King of the world.
4. Meditation on Partnership
Reflect daily: "How can I be God's partner today?" Identify one concrete action to reveal His presence.
5. Preserving Dignity
Never participate in the public humiliation of others. Actively defend the dignity of those who are attacked or despised.
6. In-depth Study
Study each week an aspect of the laws of Lashon Hara and respect for others. Immediately apply what you learn.
Teaching summary in English. Based on Rav Himi.
The essence: Preserve the divine image and reveal God's presence in the world.