48 Ways: #40 - Judge others favorably

Hi,

Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The fortieth of the 48 is machri'o l'kaf zchut, one who judges his colleague favorably.

This follows the previous "way", which also spoke of one's interactions with others. One who suspects others of general wrongdoing, or of non-comprehension of the topic they are discussing, will not be able to learn from their questions or their point of view. One who trains himself to assume the best of others, though, seeking the truth and value in their statements, will be open to learning from them, and will have an advantage in his studies.

Have a great day,
Mordechai