Dvar Torah for Parshat Vayera
Based on Rabbi Nachman's "Rules for Joke Telling"
Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian *m'tzachek* (Genesis
21:9).
The word *m'tzachek* has three connotations: idolatry, immorality,
murder (Rashi).
Rebbe Nachman emphasized the importance of being cheerful. Having a
good laugh is certainly one way to establish and maintain a good
mood.
As our matriarch Sarah pointed out (v.10), we have to make sure that
our "Yitzchak" (rooted in the Hebrew word *tzchok*, laughter) is not
corrupted by negative influences. Following Rebbe Nachman's
guidelines can provide protection.
Rule #1: No dirty jokes. This frees our laughter from immorality.
Our minds and hearts are both cleaner.
Rule #2: No jokes at someone else's expense. This keeps our hands
clean of bloodshed: making fun of someone, embarrassing him, is akin
to murder.
Rule #3: No jokes to gain yourself the spotlight. This hallows our
uplifted spirits: we devote even our humor to making it easier and
pleasanter to focus on God.
agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!
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