Synopsis: My initial answer to this question prompted by a letter from Seneca was, “No!” but then I realized that the question is more nuanced than I thought. The answer and its implications are not as simple as they seem. In this episode I offer some thoughts, examples, and questions on this topic in light of a pasuk in Mishlei cited by the Rambam and elucidated by a midrash.
Sources:
- Seneca, Letter #13
- Rambam: Mishneh Torah, Sefer ha’Mada, Hilchos Deios 6:1
- Midrash on Mishlei 13:20
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The Torah content for this week has been sponsored by Ellis and Janice Cohen in memory of Rabbi Moskowitz zt"l.
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