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Book Title Be Within Stay Above
Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
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Aid Your Nemesis

You may have real reason for disliking someone. He may be a bad influence. He may be corrupt and decrepit.

But if he needs a favor—as long as he is not actively tearing society apart—go out of your way and do it for him.

First of all, he is still your brother. Secondly, you’ll be a better person for it.

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Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson   More articles...  |   RSS Listing of Newest Articles by this Author

From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. To order Rabbi Freeman’s book, Bringing Heaven Down to Earth, click here.

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: Nov 18, 2011
"Destructive"
This is based on a halacha, in a case where you can help one of two people—one of them being your friend and the other your enemy. The halacha is that you help the enemy first. The condition, however, is that we are not speaking of someone such as an informer or such who is actively occupied in tearing apart your community. I've attempted to address this by changing the word "destructive" to "actively tearing apart society." Still very unsatisfactory, however. Suggestions are welcome.
Posted By Rabbi Tzvi Freeman (author)

Posted: Nov 10, 2011
Nemesis
Dear rabbi, this is my first time hearing this term. If a person is not so good to relate to I do not think it is safe to go out of my way to help. I am not sure of the scenario he is my brother either. Humanly speaking I try to keep the situation amicable but if his spirit is not right I run the other direction as fast and as far as I can!
Posted By Anonymous, Forest Hills, NY/USA

Posted: Nov 10, 2011
It is complicated.
What if the one who is doing the favor had low self esteem and is a known pushover then what?
Posted By Anonymous, Ma., MA

Posted: Dec 7, 2008
Aid Your Nemesis
what is a Nemesis, could it be anyone who means you harm? does that make them Evil or Wicked? my mind goes back to a time when david sent some of his companions to seek basic essentials from Nimrod and his wife and how they were chased away empty handed,

i recall this angered david who then was angered so much he went to kill Nimrod for his arrogence. so does this make david the Nemesis? who is the Nemesis? was david seeking payment for providing a serve never asked for? as we all know, david was upright in the sights of the one upon the throne, this is all that matters, and david expressed a righteous indignation many haughty have towards those who are in need of the simplist of things, they treat them as thugs thus they hatch into thugs in a community that see’s no value in men. a global society that has become that which it was given ample instruction on how to prevent from occuring is mind boggling
Posted By henk, Buffalo, NY

Posted: Dec 7, 2008
Aid your nemesis?
Rabbi Freeman,

I don't quite understand what you mean by Nemesis, "Nemesis" is a very broad term after all. Does Nemesis include the Muslim terrorists, who go out of their way to kill the infidel? Why would I want to help a person who is out to destroy me?

Perhaps you could be so kind as to further elucidate the matter...
Posted By Anonymous

Posted: Dec 5, 2008
Good streach
Like to think/feel it as a true brother. How else?
Posted By Gabriel

Posted: Dec 4, 2008
Aid Your Nemesis
Rabbi Freeman,
I like most of what you say if not most of your comments.There are corrupt people I have met and I dont think that by doing them a favor they are going to change their behaviour. I do not understand your logic. Perhaps you can explaain what you mean in a different way.
Posted By Sam, Castro Valley, CA

Posted: Dec 4, 2008
This Nemesis, thank you Tzivi always in timing.
I am certainly glad it is not clearly clarified the extent or magnitude of this destructive attribute. After all cunning not immediately measured is deceiving. Our inner knowledge can and will identify who is or will be artifice of our destruction. Confidence and complete servitude in compliance to the law will be measured weighted by ever present signs of the all emcompassing which abounds+sorrounds all. There exists everlasting present directives which when pondered, seen, & understood will always render that which is surmountable veracity. A lie, the intention to deceive us trying to infringe destruction becomes ever so obvious and appaent . Eyes, Ears, Senses fully focused in truth do recognize those deceiving actions,words, even the tone is different. Truth is so pristine it is unmistakeable. In hope I made the point clearer.
Posted By Joseph El, Guaynabo, PR

Posted: Dec 4, 2008
as long as he is not destructive.
this is so true, i had and have doing that , giving my hand and doing favors to people like this and I have learned lots and im still learning from it. no matter what if we do it, believe me that makes you a better person and in addition to you start understanding life and purposes in life.
may G-d be with you all.
Posted By Sofia Malec, mexico, monterrey nl

Posted: Dec 4, 2008
Who qualifies?
Rabbi Freeman... do you mean anyone, and everyone, regardless..... what if the nemesis a muslim? Probably you will not anwser this question, because it is not "Politcally correct"
Posted By Anonymous, OK



 


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Aid Your Nemesis
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Unfailing Love
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How to Criticize
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