Hating Your Enemy...or Not

Mishlei 24:17 - בנפול אויבך אל תשמח, ובכשלו אל יגל לבך

We are warned against rejoicing over the downfall of our enemies. Rav Kook explains why Shmuel HaKatan was the one who composed the bracha of ולמלשינים. However, elsewhere in Mishlei, Shlomo says that with the destruction of evildoers there is rejoicing. The Baal HaTanya says that the latter is referring to rejoicing that the world is a better place as a result, not at the fact that the evildoer had to be punished. We are pained when someone has to be punished.

On the seventh day of Pesach we don't say full Hallel because the Egyptians were punished. Why, then, do we say full Hallel on the first day - the day of Makat Bechorot?

Delivered at the OU Israel Center, January 27th, 2019 (21 Shevat 5779)

This shiur is sponsored by Mel David & Family.