Righteous Anger

(19) As soon as Moses came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, he became enraged; and he hurled the tablets from his hands and shattered them at the foot of the mountain.

• What is the purpose of Moses' anger in this passage?

Rabbi Elai said: In three matters a person’s true character is ascertained; in his cup, i.e., his behavior when he drinks; in his pocket, i.e., his conduct in his financial dealings with other people; and in his anger. And some say: A person also reveals his real nature in his laughter.

• How does the linguistic connection between cup, pocket, and anger add to the understanding of this passage?
• What is the role of anger in one's life according to Rabbi Elai?

One should teach themselves not to get angry, even over a matter which befits anger. If one desires to engender awe in their children and their household, or in the public, if they be at the head of a community, even if they desire to get angry at them so as to bring them back to the good way, they should only act angry in their presence so as to reprove them, but their disposition must remain calm within themselves, even as someone who imitates anger when the time calls forth anger but in reality they are not angry.

• How can anger be beneficial according to Maimonides?

(22) If you offer Me burnt offerings—or your meal offerings— I will not accept them; I will pay no heed to your gifts of fatlings. (23) Spare Me the sound of your hymns, And let Me not hear the music of your lutes. (24) But let justice well up like water, Righteousness like an unfailing stream.