Can Righteous Anger Ever Be Justified?

In matters of faith, not only what happens to us but even the final outcome is guided by Heaven. Remembering this can protect us from a subtle but serious mistake: allowing anger to take hold while convincing ourselves that it is justified or even holy.

Judaism teaches that anger is never acceptable, even when it appears to be for a good reason. Good intentions do not turn anger into something permissible.

Anger and Spiritual Intentions

The Gemara teaches, “A person should always strengthen their good inclination against their evil inclination” (Berachot 5a). This guidance is meant for moments of inner struggle, when a person feels spiritually weak or unmotivated. By strengthening the good inclination, one stays calm and in control.

Anger is very different. It often overwhelms a person and leads to words or actions they later regret. Even when anger is connected to spiritual matters, it easily becomes destructive.

The following teachings and stories illustrate a clear message found throughout Jewish sources: anger has no place in serving Hashem, even when it seems to be for the sake of Heaven.

“For the Sake of Heaven” Is Not a Justification

When Hashem commanded Moses to avenge Israel against Midian and told him that his death would follow, Moses fulfilled the command immediately and joyfully. Rashi explains that Moses acted without any personal interest, even though completing the mission would bring his life to an end.

Rabbi Yosef Yozel Horowitz of Novardok explains that for righteous people, even one additional day of life is precious. When Moses saw that the Midianite women had been spared and the mission left unfinished, he realized that his life had been extended. Even so, he expressed anger toward the officers for failing to carry out Hashem’s command properly.

Despite the purity of Moses’ intentions, our sages teach that he was punished by momentarily forgetting certain laws of purification. This teaches us a powerful lesson: if anger that is entirely for the sake of Heaven has consequences, how much more careful must we be with anger that is mixed with personal feelings.

A Warning from Elijah

The prophet Elijah once advised Rabbi Yehudah not to become angry in order to avoid sin. Rav Yosef Chaim of Baghdad explains that Elijah was not warning him about ordinary anger, which the sages already compare to idol worship. Rather, Elijah was teaching that even anger used while correcting students or teaching Torah is improper.

A similar lesson appears in a story about a student of the Arizal. During a study session, the Arizal noticed a sign of anger on his student’s forehead after he became upset with his brother for not paying attention. Even in a Torah setting, the Arizal made it clear that anger is never acceptable.

Anger While Performing Mitzvot

Jews approach mitzvot with excitement and care, especially during preparations for Passover. However, pressure and enthusiasm can sometimes lead to shouting or anger. The sages warn that a mitzvah achieved through wrongdoing loses its spiritual value, and anger is considered a serious spiritual failing.

One spiritual leader pointed out that just as chametz has no place in matzah, anger has no place in mitzvah observance, no matter how good the intention.

Pride and Anger Do Not Belong in Divine Service

The Torah says, “Any yeast or honey you must not offer on fire to Hashem.” Our sages explain that yeast represents pride and honey represents anger. These traits may not be used in serving Hashem, even when the goal is spiritual.

Choosing Character Over Perfection

Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov once owned a treasured pair of tefillin and refused to sell them despite his poverty. One year, when he could not obtain an etrog for Sukkot, he sold the tefillin and brought the etrog home with joy. His wife, distressed by the sale, accidentally dropped the etrog, rendering it invalid.

Rabbi Michel accepted the loss without anger. That night, he dreamed that his father praised him, explaining that his restraint from anger created a greater impact in Heaven than the mitzvah of purchasing the etrog.

Accepting Hashem’s Will

Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Horowitz, known as the Seer of Lublin, once planned to rise early for spiritual service, but his aides delayed his meal. Rather than becoming angry, he accepted the situation, understanding that Hashem wanted him to work on patience and self control.

On another occasion, when water for ritual hand washing was missing, he chose peace over rebuke, remembering the teaching that anger is likened to idol worship.

A Small Garment, A Great Test

Rebbe Mordechai of Neshchiz eagerly awaited a tallit katan from Israel. When a student accidentally cut two openings in the garment, he feared his teacher’s reaction. Instead, the Rebbe calmly remarked that the mistake was meant to test his ability to overcome anger.

Can Anger Ever Be a Mitzvah?

Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, known as the Tzemach Tzedek, was known for his complete control over anger. When tempted, he reflected on the teaching that anger is equated with severe sins. He asked himself how such behavior could ever be considered a mitzvah and would carefully examine the situation, usually finding no justification for anger.

Anger Is Worse Than Chametz

Rebbe Yisroel of Viznitz was known for his gentleness. Once, during matzah preparation, he saw a student lose patience under pressure. When the student tried to justify his anger, the Rebbe responded that anger is more harmful than any trace of chametz.

This article is adapted from the book 'Living with Faith' by Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi.