Siedem (różnych) rodzajów kar przychodzi na świat za siedem rodzajów wykroczeń: jeśli niektórzy (mężczyźni) płacą dziesięcinę, a inni nie, to na świat przychodzi głód niedostatku. [Deszcz jest rzadkością, w wyniku czego rosną ceny]—niektórzy są głodni, a inni nasyceni. Jeśli (wszyscy) postanowią nie płacić dziesięciny, nastanie głód zgiełku [(żniwa nie mogą być zebrane z powodu najeżdżających armii)] i nadejdzie głód. Jeśli (postanowili) nie brać chałki, nastanie głód zniszczenia. [Niebiosa są jak żelazo, a ziemia jak miedź.] Zaraza przychodzi na świat z powodu kar śmierci w Torze, które nie przyszły do [orzekania] w bet-din i z powodu owoców roku szabatowego, [z] jakie interesy zostały zrobione, a które nie były zachowane w świętości roku szabatowego.] Miecz przychodzi na świat, aby opóźnić sąd, [kiedy wiadomo, gdzie pochyla się zgiełk] i dla wypaczenia sprawiedliwości, [usprawiedliwiając winnych i oskarżanie niewinnych] i za rządzenie w Torze (prawie) niezgodne z halachą, [zakazując dozwolonego i zezwalając na zakazane].
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.”