יום ו Date: 23 Tishrei, 5774 (10/17/14) – Yevamos#13 {Eliezer}

DOUBLE JEOPARDY

[13b middle] Rava [explaining Beis Shammai]: We do not pile one prohibition on top of another [in reference to a man being prohibited a woman because she is his brother’s wife and also prohibited as being his wife’s sister (if these two paternal brother’s wives were actually sisters)]. We also know this similar ruling being applied to one who kills a man and in the process destroys the victim’s garments [that the killer is only liable the death penalty and not monetary compensation for the ruined clothing].

D-E-ep Thoughts: We are never supposed to kick a man while he is down. Not only do we not rejoice at our enemies’ downfall, but we acknowledge that punishment is meant for purification on the road to perfection. G-d has an ultimate goal for all of us and He prefers that we get there on the proper path. If we veer off, He will knock us back on the path (even if it hurts). May we always strive to recognize the reasons for “punishments,” never dish out more harm than is absolutely necessary, and focus on correcting our own mistakes rather than paying for them later.