Isn't it amazing that the first and most profound murder in world history was committed because someone wanted to get closer to G-d?!

The two brothers were dividing up the world and the question of the Beit HaMikdash came up.

Of course each one of the brothers wanted the holiest site in the world to be in his portion. They began to quarrel. Hashem warned Cayin to be careful with his temper. They argued, they fought, things got out of hand and Cayin killed Hevel! (Medrash Rabbah 22; 7)

Isn't it amazing that the first and most profound murder in world history was committed because someone wanted to get closer to G-d?!

There is a fine line between doing the will of Hashem and grossly violating it.

The Talmud says that there are three gateways to Hell. One in the desert, one in the sea and the third is in Jerusalem. (Eiruvin 19).

I recently heard an interesting explanation. Some people are too weak to have integrity – they just go with the flow. These people enter Hell in the water.

Others are just wild and totally lack in self control – they enter Hell in the desert.

There is a third group. They are the spiritually arrogant. This group considers themselves spiritually elite and make decisions in the name of G-d that can hurt and even kill others. They enter Hell in Jerusalem!

Rav Mani ben Patish said: Even if G-d destined one for greatness, if he loses his temper that greatness is removed. (Pesachim 66).

If a person is destined by G-d to greatness why would he lose his temper? Sometimes one can lose his temper in spite of ones greatness. Sometimes anger happens because of ones greatness. Destiny is G-d's decision; reacting with anger is our decision, possibly a fatal one.