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Yossi of
Zereda and Yossi of Jerusalem
City Rabbi, Country Rabbi - Pairs as
Counter-Balance |
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| The five pairs of sages in the
first chapter are known as the "Zugos." But although they shared Torah and
Jewish leadership, they do not have identical views. The 'Zugos are opposed
to each other. Like the famed adversaries Shammai and Hillel, they have
different attitudes and perspectives on life. They are as similar as a pair
of hands; one is right, while the other is left. The Zugos counterbalance
each other with their opposing viewpoints. Yehoshua Ben Prachya stresses the
positive: "Get yourself a friend," while Nitai H'arbeli warns us " not to
associate with the wicked." Similarly, Yossi of Zereda and Yossi of
Jerusalem present us with different perspectives on the mitzva of
hospitality and Hachnasas Orchim. The first sage, coming from a small,
unknown town, introduces the importance of a scholar-in-residence. By
opening the home to a sage, the host benefits from his guest's wisdom. Yossi
ben Yochanan, however, hails from the academically flourishing Jerusalem,
where sages were no rarity. They had homes of their own, and need not look
for guest housing. He urges us to open our homes wider to welcome in the
plain folk, not as |
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