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Avinu Malkeinu and the Nature of Enemies

  • Acharei Mos-Kedoshim
  • 5785
  • English
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אבינו מלכנו בטל מחשבות שונאינו הפר עצת אויבינו
The language implies the concept of thoughts to our enemies (שונא) and plots to our oppressors (אויב).
An enemy is someone that hates in the inner part of their heart, like “Do not hate your enemy in your heart” (VaYikra 19, 17). Whereas, an oppressor is someone that has revealed hate.
Thus, in this prayer we request the nullification of both types of enemies, those that have revealed hate, and also, those that have hate hidden in their hearts.
The prayer uses the language of הפר and of עצה, since the Scriptures also use these terms:
(עוצו עצה ותופר (ישעיה ח) יעץ ומי יפר (שם י"ד) הפיר עצת גוים (תהלים ל"ג

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