Praying for the Right Thing

R. Mayer Twersky preaches against praying for or desiring the death of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Recently, there have been reports in the press of individuals wishing for the death of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. By no means am I assuming the veracity of such reports. (Moreover, even these reports attribute such malevolent wishes to an isolated few.) Thus I am commenting on the issue, not on any specific persons or alleged remarks. Harboring such violent wishes is absolutely antithetical to Torah. Avraham Avinu had no sympathy for the perversions practiced by the people of S'dom. He abhorred the torture to which the young girl who had extended hospitality to a guest was subjected. Nonetheless, Avraham Avinu attempted to intercede to save the people of S’dom. He wished for their rehabilitation, not their destruction.

Voices of reason like this are very necessary in today's climate. Note also his healthy skepticism of media reports.

(See also this related RCA statement, thanks to Man from Mars for reminding me of it)