On Virtue: Selections from the Midrash Tanhuma, Part 2 of 2

Let us continue with selections from the “Midrash Tanhuma” in “The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East, Volume 4: Medieval Hebrew.” The text emphasizes that through repentance and asking for GOD’s forgiveness, we can change our path and deepen our understanding of what it truly means to be charitable to the less fortunate.

THE MIDRASH

“[…] Rabbi Judah Hannasi, arriving at a place called Semunia, was entreated by the community to select a rabbi for them. He sent them Rabbi Levi ben Sissyas, a learned and able man. Not long afterward, the newly appointed Rabbi came to Rabbi Judah Hannasi, the donor of his living, and whilst thanking him for the appointment, expressed the fear that his position was not tenable. On being questioned for his reasons, he answered that Scriptural passages were submitted to him for solution by his congregants, which it was above his capability to solve. Among others he mentioned the passage, I will show thee that which is written, and which is true. Hence they argue that there must be something written, which is not true. Rabbi Judah Hannasi then explained: ‘Man,’ he said, ‘Incurs retribution if he leaves matters as they are, and does nothing to avert the punishment decreed upon him. In this case, what is written is true: his punishment will overtake him. But on the other hand, if he reflects and thinks over his evil ways, becomes contrite, repents, and asks his merciful Father for forgiveness, and the deserved punishment is held back, in this instance what is written is not true.’

[…] The guardian angels are always near GOD’s throne, but the accusing ones are kept at a distance.

Have no undue compassion for tyrants, and you will not become a tyrant over those who deserve compassion. […]

At Sinai, the women received and accepted the Decalogue before the men. Palestine is destined to be the center of the globe.

Before man had yet made his appearance on Earth, the angels sanctified GOD’s name and sang hymns before Him in anticipation of man’s advent. […]”