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
Showing posts with label Judging others favorably. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judging others favorably. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Justify the actions of others
Hi,
"One must always judge others favorably; the Smag ruled that this is a commandment. One must also argue for the merit of the Jewish people before Gd, and to find reasons to justify any [apparently incorrect] practice which the masses perform, which cannot be corrected. However, if one can correct it then one should do so, rather than 'enter a strained gap.'"
(Marganita Tava of R' Yehonatan Voliner, reprinted in Kol Kitvei Chafetz Chaim, #9)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"One must always judge others favorably; the Smag ruled that this is a commandment. One must also argue for the merit of the Jewish people before Gd, and to find reasons to justify any [apparently incorrect] practice which the masses perform, which cannot be corrected. However, if one can correct it then one should do so, rather than 'enter a strained gap.'"
(Marganita Tava of R' Yehonatan Voliner, reprinted in Kol Kitvei Chafetz Chaim, #9)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Asking for trouble
Hi,
"Three circumstances call to mind a person's sins: An inclined wall, examination of one's prayer [assuming Gd must answer one's prayers, because one prayed with great concentration - Rashi] and asking Gd to punish others for their sins."
(Talmud, Rosh HaShanah 16b)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"Three circumstances call to mind a person's sins: An inclined wall, examination of one's prayer [assuming Gd must answer one's prayers, because one prayed with great concentration - Rashi] and asking Gd to punish others for their sins."
(Talmud, Rosh HaShanah 16b)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Judging others favorably
Hi,
"One who suspects those who are innocent will suffer Divinely-administered physical punishment."
(Talmud, Shabbat 97a)
Rabbi Moshe Sofer (aka "Chatam Sofer") explained: Gd will ordinarily punish a person lightly, judging the person favorably and so presuming that the person will respond to a light rebuke.
However, if a person judges others unfavorably, then Gd judges him thus, too, and administers a more harsh rebuke.
(Chiddushei Chatam Sofer to Shabbat 97a)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"One who suspects those who are innocent will suffer Divinely-administered physical punishment."
(Talmud, Shabbat 97a)
Rabbi Moshe Sofer (aka "Chatam Sofer") explained: Gd will ordinarily punish a person lightly, judging the person favorably and so presuming that the person will respond to a light rebuke.
However, if a person judges others unfavorably, then Gd judges him thus, too, and administers a more harsh rebuke.
(Chiddushei Chatam Sofer to Shabbat 97a)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
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