Kamtza and Bar Kamtza

The Talmud (Gittin 56) tells of a man wanted to throw a party for all his friends, so he drew up a guest list and instructed his servant to send out the invitations. One of the men on the guest list was named "Kamtza," but the servant made a mistake and invited "Bar Kamtza" instead. Oops -- Bar Kamtza was actually a sworn enemy of the host!

When Bar Kamtza received his invitation, he was very grateful to think that the host had finally made amends. But when Bar Kamtza showed up at the party, the host took one look and told his servant to immediately eject Bar Kamtza from the premises.

When asked to leave, Bar Kamtza said: "I understand the mistake. But it's embarrassing for me to leave the party. I'll gladly pay the cost of my meal if you'll allow me to stay."

The host would hear nothing of this, and reiterated his demand to have Bar Kamtza removed.

Bar Kamtza appealed again: "I'd even be willing to pay half the cost of the entire party, if only I'd be allowed to stay."

Again the request was denied. At which point, the distraught Bar Kamtza pleaded: "I'll pay for the entire party! Just please don't embarrass me in this way!"

The host, however, stuck to his guns and threw Bar Kamtza out. The rabbis had observed this exchange did not protest, and Bar Kamtza took this to mean that they approved of the host's behavior.

The Talmud reports that Bar Kamtza was so hurt and upset, that he went straight to the Roman authorities and gave slanderous reports of disloyal behavior among the Jews. This fueled the Romans' anger, and they proceeded to attack and destroy the Holy Temple.

Making the Repair

We might think the Second Temple was destroyed because of a combination of complex reasons, a series of events out of our control. Not so. It is simply due to the sin of unwarranted hatred between Jews.

When we desire the redemption of our people, the key is to focus on fixing what we have ruined. The way to repair this tragedy is through the opposite of its cause: Everyone must make a maximum effort to love every member of the Jewish people. (see Chafetz Chaim: Maamar Ahavas Yisroel, Chapter 5)

This is what we are lacking today, and this is what mourn on Tisha B'Av. Every time you get into a fight with someone and you don't work it out, think long and hard that you are personally responsible for holding back the redemption. And every time you love a Jew unconditionally, we bring it another step closer.

Download the Talmudic text and explanation of this story from ArtScroll.

(8) Anonymous, January 9, 2012 2:44 AM

Write your response with respect to the presentor!

I think that when you air comments on Sinat Chinam, they should be written in a soft manner towards the writer of this article, not merely attacking as a counterpoint that fails to acknowledge the basic understanding of choosing one friend over another. Yes, even in emails we need to be careful about writing and exchanging disparaging remarks!!!! Don't miss the point!!!

(7) Eli, August 20, 2011 11:32 PM

Not literal

Actually, the gemora in Gitten does not blame anyone but R' Zecharia and the reasons were not literally Sinat Chinam or anything else but a more interesting and broad relationship to the "Ashrei adam" issue. Please check the story first...

(6) TzVi, August 5, 2011 7:23 PM

Completly missing the point!

Look at the Pshat of the story, look at the commentary of Rashi, Meiri and the Chatam Sofer (as well as the Rishonim). The whole blame is on Kamtza Bar Kamtza for being a traitor AND R' Zecharia for having mercy on a traitor. Just read the plain text and see, also even look at our earlier generations and the true wisdom and insights they had.

(5) Jay, August 11, 2008 2:19 PM

The Takeaway on Kamtza/Bar Kamtza

One thing Chazal wanted us to take away from this story is the awesome responsibility our spiritual leaders have to take charge when there is strife within the Jewish community. This responsibility attaches even when there is a dispute that appears to be over a petty matter. Too often our rabbis hide and choose not to get involved, and the rifts between family or community members gets worse.

Avraham, August 4, 2011 12:50 AM

You couldn't be more right!

How do we change that though? What you say is indeed the truth, but what is the remedy? I myself am a BT who has witnessed Rabbis turning their cheek to an array of issues plaguing Jewish communities nationwide. We need TRUE Ahavat Yisroel in order to be redeemed. I'm not sure if Moshiach will come without it. All the best to you Bracha V'Hatzlacha and a safe fast.

(4) Liba, August 10, 2008 5:51 PM

Let's not forget that Bar Kamtza was not such a great guy. His anger and desire for revenge could have been resolved another way. Instead, he destroyed the beis hamikdosh!

(3) Pamela, August 1, 2005 12:00 AM

Simple article about the period of the "three weeks" (between the fast of the 17th of Tammuz and Tishe B'Av) we're currently in.

Love,

Pamela

(2) Gabe Jacknin, July 19, 2004 12:00 AM

Kamzta bar Kamtza

Awesome article-this outlook could truly help to motivate everyone to repair our lost friendships and finally bring the redemption to Klal Yisrael.

(1) yitzchak gedalia b. eleazar, August 6, 2003 12:00 AM

you touched my soul and I am wrong!

Nearly 1 year ago,our Shul closed because because of a lack of community financial support. It was small, but beautiful and we had an extraordinary Rabbi to lead us. I was the first and only President that the Shul ever had and my family was instrumental in its founding. Since it closed, I have been angry with those members who never contributed financially to support their Shul. I realize now how wrong I was after reading this story. I am so sorry. I know I must contact these people and seek the fellowship that I so sorely miss and not hold a grudge.
I can't thank you enough for opening my eyes.
B'Shalom