Julian Ungar-Sargon

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A wide-ranging commentary on the daily page of Talmud.

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Bava Batra 57: וְעֹצֵם עֵינָיו מֵרְאוֹת בְּרָע

jyungar August 21, 2024

For the source text click/tap here: Bava Batra 57

To download, click/tap here: PDF

The Gemara cites the verse in Isa. (33:15) which praises a person who "closes his eyes from viewing evil." Rebbi Chiya bar Aba explains that this refers to a person who does not gaze at women while they are standing at the wash pool washing clothes (when they have to expose parts of their legs to enter the pool).

The Gemara asks what situation Rebbi Chiya bar Aba is discussing. If he is discussing a situation in which there is another route to take, then even if the person closes his eyes, he is considered a Rasha for taking this route in the first place! If there is no other route to take, then why does he need to close his eyes? He is an "Ones," and the Torah exempts him!

The Gemara answers that, indeed, there is no other route to take, and nevertheless he is required to force himself not to look at the forbidden sites and to turn his head away and close his eyes.

We explore the nature of visual stimulation and addiction.

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Julian Ungar-Sargon

This is Julian Ungar-Sargon's personal website. It contains poems, essays, and podcasts for the spiritual seeker and interdisciplinary aficionado.​