Sette (diversi) tipi di punizione vengono al mondo per sette tipi di trasgressioni: se alcuni (uomini) decimano e alcuni non decimano, una carestia di carità viene al mondo. [La pioggia è scarsa, a seguito della quale i prezzi aumentano]—alcuni hanno fame e altri sono sazi. Se (tutti) decidono di non decimare, una carestia di tumulti [(Il raccolto non può essere raccolto a causa degli eserciti invasori)] e la carenza arriva. Se (hanno deciso) di non prendere Challah, arriva una carestia di distruzione. [I cieli sono come il ferro e la terra come il rame.] La pestilenza viene al mondo per le pene di morte nella Torah, che non è arrivata al [giudizio nel] beth-din e per i frutti dell'anno sabbatico, [con quali affari furono fatti e quali non furono mantenuti nella santità dell'anno sabbatico.] Una spada viene al mondo per il ritardo del giudizio, [quando si sa dove si inclina il frastuono] e per la perversione della giustizia, [rivendicando i colpevoli e incriminare l'innocente] e per aver governato nella Torah (legge) non in accordo con l'halachah [vietando il permesso e permettendo il proibito].
Sha'arei Teshuvah
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 5:8), “Pestilence comes to the world for sins punishable by death according to the Torah, but which have not been referred to the court, and for [neglect of the law regarding] the fruits of the sabbatical year.” And they also said (Avot 5:9), “At four times pestilence increases: In the fourth year, in the seventh year, at the conclusion of the seventh year and at the conclusion of the Feast [of Tabernacles (Sukkot)] in every year. In the fourth year, on account of the tithe of the poor [which is due in] the third year; in the seventh year, on account of the tithe of the poor [which is due] in the sixth year; at the conclusion of the seventh year, on account of the produce of the seventh year; and at the conclusion of the Feast in every year, for robbing the gifts to the poor.” We have seen from this that there is death at the hands of the Heavens for robbing the gifts of the poor. And from this, know and examine the severity of one who makes vows of charity but does not fulfill [them]. Also one who shuts his hand from his poor brother and turns away from his flesh is similar to these - for since he has already been obligated to give [these sums by the Torah], behold he is like someone robbing the gifts [of the poor].
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 5:8-9), “The sword comes to the world for the delay of judgment, for the perversion of judgment, and because of those who teach the Torah not in accordance with the accepted law. Wild beasts come to the world for swearing in vain, and for the profaning of [God’s] name.”
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 5:8-9), “The sword comes to the world for the delay of judgment, for the perversion of judgment, and because of those who teach the Torah not in accordance with the accepted law. Wild beasts come to the world for swearing in vain, and for the profaning of [God’s] name.”