The pursuit of entertainment

Hi,

"Gd created the world, and nothing in the world is empty and in vain and worthless. All of Creation has a purpose, even if a person thinks something is worthless. It is not so – all is necessary. Therefore, a letz [in this context: One who pursues entertainment without redeeming value] cannot be before the Shechinah, for he pursues emptiness and worthless things."

(Maharal, Netivot Olam, Netiv ha'Emet 2)

חג אורים שמח,
Mordechai

Speaking advice for rabbis

Hi,

Words of caution to those who sermonize in the name of the Torah:

"There must not be, in his words, anything which strays from the truth known to the public who will hear his words. There must not be words which have neither foundation nor root, as public speakers are wont to offer now in these lands.

"They explain scripture and the words of the sages with meanings that the authors never intended and that never entered their hearts and minds. They claim to explain the true intentions of the words, but their intention is only to harm. Were they to leave the words of the sages as they are, the simple meaning of their declarations would offer great wisdom, but they turn the sweet to bitter and so their intention is to harm."

(Maharal, Netivot Olam, Netiv haTochachah Chapter 3)

Have a great day,
Mordechai