Wednesday, May 02, 2007
4 U
V'ahavta L'Reacha Kamocha. It sounds like first grade, but it really was the prime teaching of the great Rabbi Akiva. All our learning is supposed to orient towards towards treating others equally, on par with our own expectations. It seems so easy. So why does it seem so hard?
My Rebbe, HaRav Meyer Juzint, Z"TZL, used to tell us that in Slabodka, the students used to walk around busy commercial areas, so that when people would bump into them, they could have practice apologizing.
Why does that sound so far off? OK, so maybe in our generation people don't immerse themselves in ice water, accept oathes of poverty, or wander the countryside, but I don't think sensitizing ourselves to others is such an extreme ascetic practice. Sure, some people still learn the classical Mussar weeks, and Artscroll pop is in demand, but how many people walk around looking for ways to go out of their way for somebody else? I'm sure there are some that naturally put a smile on everyone's face, but without being negative, why is it so hard to convey our love for ourself into a love for others?
My Rebbe, HaRav Meyer Juzint, Z"TZL, used to tell us that in Slabodka, the students used to walk around busy commercial areas, so that when people would bump into them, they could have practice apologizing.
Why does that sound so far off? OK, so maybe in our generation people don't immerse themselves in ice water, accept oathes of poverty, or wander the countryside, but I don't think sensitizing ourselves to others is such an extreme ascetic practice. Sure, some people still learn the classical Mussar weeks, and Artscroll pop is in demand, but how many people walk around looking for ways to go out of their way for somebody else? I'm sure there are some that naturally put a smile on everyone's face, but without being negative, why is it so hard to convey our love for ourself into a love for others?
# posted by Josh : Wednesday, May 02, 2007
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I apologize for asking, but why couldn't the Slobodkaniks practice not bumping into people?
I know, I know, previous generations were o higher madreigas than us. Sorry.
I know, I know, previous generations were o higher madreigas than us. Sorry.
Gandhi once said "you must be the change you want to see in the world."
Practice what you preach.
Practice what you preach.
# posted by 
: May 08, 2007 7:14 PM
: May 08, 2007 7:14 PM
Jules - True. Hard to learn that, but it would help me, and everyone else.
CH- Interesting thought. My guess is easier said than done. You ever tried to tip toe around Grand Central in rush hour? Sometimes all the other people are just so pushy, that all we can do is learn to forgive.
20 - If you say so!
Anon- I try. can't say I always succeed, but I do try.
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CH- Interesting thought. My guess is easier said than done. You ever tried to tip toe around Grand Central in rush hour? Sometimes all the other people are just so pushy, that all we can do is learn to forgive.
20 - If you say so!
Anon- I try. can't say I always succeed, but I do try.
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