This essay is reprinted from the book, “The Encyclopedia of Jewish Values” published by Urim, or the upcoming books, “The Encyclopedia of Jewish Values: Man to Man” or “The Encyclopedia of Jewish Values: Man to G-d” to be published in the future. This essay is not intended as a source of practical halachic (legal) rulings. For matters of halachah, please consult a qualified posek (rabbi).

Revenge is defined as the infliction of punishment in return for injury or insult, or the desire to retaliate or repay an injury or wrong. It is a basic human emotion or action, which is both intense and natural. One can explain the very first sin and inflicted injury in history as Cain’s revenge for G-d’s favoring Abel over Cain (in their sacrifices to G-d), which drove Cain to murder his brother. If this emotion is so natural, can it be forbidden? What does Judaism specifically say about the act of revenge? Is it ever permitted in Judaism? If yes, then what is considered permitted revenge and what is forbidden revenge? Are there different types of revenge in Judaism, or is the general definition sufficient to be called a Jewish sin? The chapter will explore these questions, the feeling of revenge, the sin, the definition of the act, and when it is permitted and forbidden from a Jewish perspective – all through traditional sources.

Unlike other sentiments, which may vary from person to person or situation to situation, Judaism recognizes the intensity of the emotion of revenge. Meiri says that revenge is an emotion that “attacks the evil inclination” and forces man to give into it. Chinuch states that this emotion is so powerful that most people in the world will not stop searching for the person who wronged them until they pay back the evil or injury that was done to them. The classic book of Jewish ethical behavior, Mesilat Yesharim, describes how difficult the sentiment of revenge is. A person cannot escape these feelings, as they cause him or her great pain, and the feeling of payback or revenge is indeed so sweet. Thus, resisting the urge to act upon this feeling is indeed difficult, and it is only easy for angels to ignore this emotion. In explaining the prohibition against taking revenge in the Torah, Chizkuni writes that the feeling of seething rage completely overtakes a human being. In another section, Chinuch explains that G-d does not expect a person to be wronged and pained by another, and to remain inert like a rock, without feeling the need to pay back. If this is so, if the desire for revenge is so great, what then is a Jew supposed to do when confronted by these emotions?

To continue reading, download the entire essay in WORD or PDF.

Download the source sheets in WORD or PDF.

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Rabbi Dr. Nachum Amsel currently works with Rabbi Berel Wein and the Destiny Foundation as the Director of Education, whose mission is “to bring Jewish history to life in an exciting, entertaining and interactive way.” Rabbi Amsel has also served as a teacher, a school principal, and an adjunct professor. He has also taught over 2000 educators how to teach more effectively. Rabbi Amsel has worked in all areas of formal and informal Jewish education and has developed numerous curricula including a methodology how to teach Jewish Values using mass media. Recently, he founded the STARS Program (Student Torah Alliance for Russian Speakers), where more than 3000 students in 12 Russian speaking countries learn about their Jewish heritage for five hours weekly. Rabbi Amsel previously served as the Educational Director of Hillel in the Former Soviet Union. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife and has four children and four grandchildren.

One Response to “NEW: Class & Source Sheets on Revenge: Is It Ever Justified?”

  1. rabbi yonah

    Love these shiurim. If you have the ability to make the source sheets bi-lingual that would be helpful for teaching others. Thank you!

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