יראת הדין של הצדיק שבסרך היחד

Fear of judgment is one of the special attributes of the Zaddik in the "Manual of Discipline". This faculty is also mentioned several times in the Thanksgiving Hymns where love of God is mentioned as well. Apparently, the writings of the sect did not distinguish between the two perceptions. Both are expressions in the fulfilment of mitzvot. It was not the fear of punishment which directed the actions of the members of the sect, but rather the rules of the sect and the recognition of being the elect of God. These factors were the ones that brought them constantly to a greater intensification of their religious and ethical behavior. Fear of punishment is emphasized only because it is the product of the basic acknowledgement of God's loftiness and man's lowliness which impels him to sin. Another factor in the emphasis on fear of punishment may be the attitude of the sect toward the widespread sinfulness outside, for they wished to establish a new and perfect society. It is reasonable to conclude that the long list of transgressions attributed to the wicked man, among which the absence of the fear of punishment is underscored, points up this noble characteristic in the life of the Zaddik.