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Why were three major Jewish cities destroyed for seemingly obvious mistakes - beating Roman soldiers and humiliating enemies? The Talmud (תלמוד) teaches that even when we're doing the right thing, we must consider consequences from the other person's perspective. True wisdom means helping solve others' problems even when they've wronged us.
Rabbi Zweig examines three stories from Gittin 55b-56b about the destruction of Jerusalem, Tur Malcolm, and Betar, each caused by Jews who failed to "look at consequences" (ro'eh es hanolad). The Talmud (תלמוד) introduces these stories by explaining that the blessed person always maintains fear, while one who hardens his heart falls into evil. Rashi (רש"י) explains that these people didn't consider the consequences of their actions - beating Roman soldiers would obviously lead to retaliation. But Rabbi Zweig argues this interpretation makes the Jews appear foolishly obvious, which contradicts Jewish wisdom. Similarly, Tosafot's explanation that they felt too secure to worry about punishment seems equally implausible.
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Gittin 55b-56b
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