יום א Date: 29 Kislev, 5774 (12/21/14) – Yevamos#78 {Eliezer}

POSITIVE PUNISHMENT

[78b middle] R’ Zeira quoting R’ Yehudah: A known Mamzer (illegitimate child)’s lineage survives generations eternally (since there is no danger of intermarriage with them or their descendants). An unknown Mamzer’s family line does not survive past three generations (because G-d will not allow problematic lineage to destroy His nation).
Rabbi Ami once made a public announcement about a certain man (that was previously an unknown Mamzer), who lived in his neighborhood, that he was indeed a Mamzer. Upon being outed, the Mamzer was crying, but R’ Ami said to him: “I have given you life,” [now, since he was no longer an “unknown Mamzer” he would live].

D-E-ep Thoughts: Many times Hashem delivers blows of physical suffering to bring us better “Life.” Sometimes, these afflictions may help atone for some of our our previous sins in order for us to enjoy more opportunities in this world later on [or even to get a higher status in the world to come]. In other instances, embarrassment and suffering may be brought to us to get us to “wake up” and change our views and priorities; to “awaken” our souls. We should always recognize Hashem’s subtle hints for improvement without needing harsher reminders.