Q&A: A Good Intention, the Holy One Blessed Be He Joins to the Deed
A Good Intention, the Holy One Blessed Be He Joins to the Deed
Question
Good evening, Rabbi Michi. I was considering a question about the principle: “A good intention, the Holy One Blessed Be He joins to the deed.” According to those commentators who understand this to apply even without actually doing the deed, but only the intention alone (as opposed to those who understand the Talmud to mean that afterward he also does the deed—according to them there is no question), does this also apply to commandments between one person and another? It seems to me that there is room to distinguish, since the role of intention in interpersonal commandments is much less significant, and the main thing is דווקא the result (there is no blessing over such commandments, “for the sake of unification” beforehand, etc.), and perhaps according to some views it does not apply at all (maybe the Seridei Esh regarding mishloach manot on Purim).
I would also be glad to hear the Rabbi’s opinion, and for sources on this topic if the Rabbi knows of anyone who dealt with this question. Thank you!
Answer
I do not understand the question. Clearly, intention is not a substitute for the deed, neither in commandments between man and his fellow nor in commandments between man and God. But a good intention is also a good thing. And if a person wanted to do a good deed and did not do it because of circumstances beyond his control, the Holy One Blessed Be He relates to him as though he did it, because in truth he is as righteous as one who did. Exactly as someone who tries to murder and does not succeed because of some mishap is just as wicked as a full-fledged murderer. There is no difference in terms of wickedness. So too regarding performing a commandment: one who wants to do it and does not do it because of circumstances beyond his control is as righteous as one who did.