Netziv on the causes of Anti-Semitism

Hi,

"Many, including complete people, inquire regarding the on-going hatred in the hearts of Anti-Semites against Israel. Each strains and exhausts himself to find an appropriate answer to this serious question, one thus and one thus, each according to his mind and his outlook on Judaism…

"We, with the banner of our pure Torah and loyal faith, will also speak of this, with G-d's help. We will say that the essence of the hate of Anti-Semites for Israel has ever been known to every Jew and has been fluent in his mouth from the Haggadah of the "night of protection", when we say, "And this is what stood for our ancestors [that not only one has stood against us to destroy us, but in every generation they stand against us to destroy us]…"

"The lesson of Lavan instructs us that there are two causes for hatred: Jealousy of wealth and suspicion of theft and corruption, mixed with hatred of our belief and service of Gd…"

(Netziv, She'eir Yisrael, Chapter 1)

Have a good day,
Mordechai

Repealing an oath

Hi,

“A certain local official was bad to the Jews in his city, and they plotted to flee. He imprisoned them, and forced them to swear that they would not flee.

“Do not propose that they ritually repeal their vow, for that would desecrate Gd’s Name. Further, he would no longer trust Jews for their oaths, and he might imprison one of them and not release him even with an oath.

“Rather, they should work with the king or some great official to enable the transplantation of the community against this official’s wishes.”

(R' Yehudah haChasid, Sefer Chasidim 423)

Have a great day,
Mordechai