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Sometimes, when a Shochet investigates a slaughtered animal, he finds that it is considered a “Treifah” – an animal which was mortally injured, such that it would have died within the next 12 months. What should he do with its meat? The Torah tells us: throw it to the dogs. (Shemot 22:30)
Why are the dogs so lucky? Rashi explains that since they didn’tbark at Bnei Yisrael during Makkat Bechorot, they are eternally rewarded with free steak.
Hold on. The dogs? What about the frogs?! During the makah ofTzfardeah, the frogs willingly jumped into bowls of dough as they were entering the oven, giving their lives for the sake of Hashem! (Pesachim 53b) Why don’t we reward their Mesirat Nefesh? Isn’t it much greater to give one’s life than to simply not bark?
Actually, no. It is sometimes easier to risk even one’s life than itis to hold back a “bark.” When one has the perfect come back, the most hilarious joke, the wittiest comment to say, but he refrains, in order to protect the dignity of someone else – that is truly difficult.
Once upon a time, insulting someone came along with the discomfort of watching him become embarrassed. The perpetrator had a chance at feeling regretful, and perhaps making amends. Now, unfortunately, one can snap a picture, post it, share it – and instant mass humiliation is successfully accomplished.
On the flip side, when one decides to let such an opportunity slide, and he refrains from sharing, filters his humorous thoughts, thereby helping another maintain his reputation – he can be assured that Hashem is very proud of him, and has much more than a piece of steak awaiting him.
(Based on Touched by the Parsha by Rabbi Yechiel Spiro, Parshas Tazria p. 53, quoting the Tolna Rebbe, Rav Yitzchak Menachem Weinberg)