Sometimes, the source is more surprising than you might think. Take, for example, the concept of showing loving-kindness, or chesed, to mourners. Where do we learn about the importance of comforting those who grieve?
Believe it or not, one source points us to… Jezebel. Yes, that Jezebel, the infamous daughter of Ethbaal, King of Sidon.
Now, I know what you're thinking. Jezebel? The woman who, in the biblical narrative, promotes idol worship and persecutes prophets? How could she possibly be a model for chesed? Well, let's delve into the story as it's presented in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating early medieval text that retells and expands upon biblical narratives.
The text tells us that Jezebel's palace was located near the marketplace. And whenever a funeral procession passed by, she would emerge from her palace. But instead of ignoring it, or worse, she would clap her hands, offer words of praise, and accompany the deceased for ten steps. Regardless of her other actions, Jezebel recognized the fundamental human need for dignity and respect, even in death. She understood the importance of acknowledging loss and offering comfort to those who mourned.
So, what happened to Jezebel? As we know from the Book of Kings (2 Kings 9:36), Elijah prophesied a grim end for her: "In the portion of Jezreel shall the dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel.” A pretty harsh prophecy!
But here’s where the story gets really interesting. When they went to bury her, the biblical text tells us (2 Kings 9:35), “they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.”
Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer connects this to her acts of chesed. The text suggests that the dogs had no power over the limbs she used to show kindness. Her hands, which clapped in respect, and her feet, which followed the dead, were spared.
It's a powerful message, isn't it? Even in a figure often portrayed as villainous, we can find glimmers of humanity and acts of kindness that resonate. The text isn't trying to excuse Jezebel's overall behavior, of course. Rather, it's highlighting a specific instance where she acted with compassion, suggesting that such acts have a lasting impact.
What does this teach us? Perhaps it's that even those who seem furthest from righteousness are capable of good. Or maybe it’s that even small acts of chesed can have a profound effect, so much so that they can transcend even death. It reminds us that acts of kindness, no matter how small, leave an indelible mark on the world.