Holy Boldness: When Courage Is a Mitzvah

Two Halachot a Day from the book Halachah Lema'aseh by Rabbi Yaron Ashkenazi, based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

If a person has a fixed amount of time each day for Torah study and realizes that praying alone would allow him to spend more time learning, may he forgo praying with a minyan?

Although Torah study is considered greater than praying with a congregation, one should not regularly forgo communal prayer in order to study more Torah. However, doing so on an occasional basis is permitted.

If someone is on his way to a synagogue to attend a Torah class and, along the way, several people ask him to join them so they can complete a minyan for Mincha, must he stay and help them even if it means missing the class?

If those individuals are unable to go to a synagogue to pray with a minyan — for example, because they are elderly, ill, or mourners, he should stay and complete the minyan, even though it comes at the expense of his Torah study.

However, if they are capable of going to a synagogue themselves, he should not interrupt his learning in order to complete the minyan. The exception is if he regularly interrupts his Torah study for less meaningful activities; in that case, he should certainly be willing to interrupt it for the sake of helping complete a minyan.

Daily Quote

"This trait is especially praiseworthy when applied to Torah and the service of God: One should be bold in the face of the wicked, standing firm against them, refusing to listen to their advice, refusing to accept their falsehoods and abominations, and refusing to flatter them. A person should also be bold in the observance of the mitzvot, even if others mock him. He should be bold enough to ask his teachers about what he does not understand and not be ashamed to do so (Avot 3:5). Likewise, he should have the courage to rebuke others and point out their sins." 

— Orchot Tzaddikim, Sha'ar Ha'Azut (The Gate of Boldness)

Meaning of the Quote

Boldness is usually viewed as a negative trait, associated with rudeness, arrogance, or disrespect. However, Orchot Tzaddikim teaches that there is also a form of holy boldness, which is the courage to use this quality for righteous purposes.

1. Standing Firm Against Evil

A person should have the courage to oppose those who promote wrongdoing. He should not give in to social pressure, accept falsehood as truth, or flatter those who act wickedly. Instead, he must stand firmly for truth, even when it is unpopular.

2. Courage in Observing Mitzvot

One should never be embarrassed to fulfill God's commandments, even if others ridicule or mock him. Whether it is keeping Shabbat, putting on tefillin, eating kosher, or observing any other mitzvah, fear of public opinion should never prevent a person from doing what is right.

3. The Courage to Ask Questions

Students should never be ashamed to ask their teacher or rabbi questions, even if they fear the question may sound simple or foolish. Asking questions is an essential part of genuine Torah learning.

4. The Courage to Offer Constructive Rebuke

Sometimes doing the right thing requires pointing out another person's mistakes or sins. While this must always be done with sensitivity and care, it takes genuine courage to offer constructive rebuke when necessary.

There is a profound difference between selfish insolence and the courage to stand up for truth and righteousness. At times, serving God requires a special kind of boldness — a holy courage that enables a person to do what is right, regardless of criticism or opposition.