Rabbi Eleazar son of Rabbi Shimon and the Thorns of the Vineyard

Pesikta DeRav Kahana 11:19

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

Rabbi Eleazar son of Rabbi Shimon was appointed an officer to execute those who were liable to death. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korcha used to call him "vinegar, son of wine." He said to him: why do you call him vinegar, son of wine? Did I not clear away thorns that were to be cleared? Did I not put to death only men who were liable to execution? He said to him: you should have fled and gone off to Laodicea. He said to him: should you have fled to the end of the world and left it to the master of the garden to clear away his own thorns?

Themes

Divine JusticeAuthorityRabbis

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