Maghen Abraham - Thoughts From Mayer Sasson

"…. but let Me be hallowed in the midst of the Children of Israel…." (22,32)

Wicked Jews

On the words "let Me be hallowed in the midst of the Children of Israel" the Gemara says – Rav Ada the son of Ahava said – How do we know that an individual does not say Kedusha? Because it says "let Me be hallowed in the midst of the Children of Israel". Everything holy must be with no less than ten.

How do we learn that there must be at least ten?

The Gemara answers – It says in the Parsha of Korach "separate yourselves from the midst this congregation" and in the episode of the Spies it says "how long shall this evil congregation be permitted". Just as in the first case (congregation) is ten (twelve spies minus Kalev and Yehoshua), so here it is ten.

It is thereby explained that the reason that until the end of time holy matters are conducted with ten men is because of an inference from the congregation of Korach and the congregation of the Spies.

This is seemingly difficult. Why did our Sages ob'm decide to bring evidence for a quorum of ten specifically from Korach and the Spies who sinned and caused others to sin against G-d?

Our Sages ob'm could have brought evidence from the prayer of Avraham Avinu in his efforts to save Sodom, where it is explicitly written: "And he (Avraham) said let it not be annoying to my L-rd, I would speak yet but this once- Perhaps ten (righteous people) shall be found there…" and G-d answered him "I will not destroy for the sake of the ten".

The Grand Rabbi of Mishkolz says – We learn from here that it is better to bring evidence from wicked Jews rather than from the righteous people of Sdom and Amora.

SHABBAT SHALOM!!!

Mayer Sasson