D'var
Torah: "You
shall surely let go of your indignation" (Shemot 23:5). Imagine you
are in the mall. As you are shopping you bump into your neighbor. You can't
help noticing that he is shoplifting. He knows you saw him and he gives you a
little smile and says, "Hi David," as if nothing happened. You are
shocked and feel upset that he stole, but there is very little you can do about
it without causing a scene. How should you veiw him in the future? The Torah
has remarkable advice, "Let it go!" Forget what happened and let go
of your critical feelings. It is a Mitzvah to draw him close to you with love
and friendship! Maybe this positive approach will have a good impact on him and
he will be inspired by your compassion to correct and improve his ways.
Moral: Judgement and criticism of
others is often counterproductive. The compassionate Torah has a game-changing
idealogy: "Let it go," and win your friend's redemption by smiling on
him with love, acceptance, and joy.
Application: Emulate HaShem's compassion and
forgiveness. (1) Let go of your judgements of others. (2) Respond to unsuitable
behavior with love and friendship. (3) Give people the support and confidence
to grow towards goodness and personal transformation. (4) Remember the healing power
of love.
(Based on
the commentary of the Tomer Devorah, Chapter One)
By: Zvi
Miller & The Salant Foundation.
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