Rabbi Levitas Of Yavneh Said: "Be Of An Exceedingly Humble Spirit, For The Expectation Of Mortal Man Is But Worms."[13]

Rabbi Yochanan Ben Berokah Said: "Whoever Desecrates The Heavenly Name In Secret, Punishment Will Be Meted Out To Him In Public; Unwittingly Or Intentionally, It Is All The Same In Regard To The Desecration Of [G-D's] Name."

Be Of An Exceedingly Humble Spirit

With regard to pride, the Rambam writes:[14] "Any person who has the slightest trace of a haughty spirit is worthy of being placed under a ban of ostracism." The commentaries explain that the Rambam is rejecting the view in the Talmud,[15] which permits a sage to possess an eighth of an eighth measure of pride.

The Alter Rebbe explains[16] that the small measure of pride our Sages mentioned is necessary. Were a person to lack it, "he would not desire to approach divine service, for he would think: 'Who am I, and what are my efforts worth?' "

There is not, however, necessarily a contradiction between the two views. The Alter Rebbe is speaking with regard to a person in the initial phases of divine service. In such an instance, unless the person realizes that divine service will enhance his self-esteem, he will not be motivated to apply himself. When, however, a person has progressed in his divine service, he must cultivate the application of the Rambam's teaching and shun haughtiness entirely.

(Sefer HaSichos 5749, p. 101ff)

Unwittingly Or Intentionally, It Is All The Same In Regard To The Desecration Of [G-D's] Name

The sanctification or desecration of G-d's Name is not dependent on a person's intent, but on the impression created in the world at large. A person may have the highest intentions when performing a given act. Nevertheless, if the performance gives other people an unfavorable view of the Torah or a Torah personality, G-d's Name has been desecrated.

When, by contrast, a person's behavior - both intentional and unintentional - causes the Torah to be revered, so that people look at him and say: "See what a personality the Torah has molded!"[17] he is sanctifying G-d's name.

   

Notes:

13. (Back to text) V. supra, Pirkei Avos 3:1.

14. (Back to text) Mishneh Torah, Hilchos De'os 2:3

15. (Back to text) Sotah 5a.

16. (Back to text) Torah Or, Megillas Esther 91b.

17. (Back to text) Cf. Yoma 86a.