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yehoshua steinberg
Feb 22, 2021
What is the connection between ריע (friend), רע (evil), and רועה (shepherd)?
What is the connection between ריע (friend), רע (evil), and רועה (shepherd)?
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In regard to this question, I was thinking that the Midrash says that on 6thday of creation, when it says טוב מאוד this refer to the Evil Inclination – the ultimate good is channeling the bad and using it for good. This explais the placement of the commandment to love your ריעךlike yourself immediately after the prohibtions forbidding taking revenge. It means to teach us that one shoul be channelling the bad to good and a deeper connection. That’s why it says ואהבת לרעך –toyour friend rather than ואהבת את רעך – love your friend. Meaning love the bad that he did to you, and transform or shepherd it to good. Any other thoughts or sources on either of the above.
-Rabbi Schwartz