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Minute 942 //not In My Face
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Jonathan was the type of person who did what was right. What others thought was important to him, but not enough to make him change his behavior when he knew what he was doing was the correct thing to do. If Jonathan knew that Jewish law required a particular deed, he would do it and in the best way possible. Even if others did not do it as stringently as he would, and even if he was in a place where people did not abide by the stringencies of this particular law, Jonathan would insist on doing it the way he always did. In fact, in order to show that he was correct in doing this type of behavior in the way he did it he would go out of his way to perform it right in front of those who disapprove of this attitude, as if to say, "I don't care what you think, I am doing my thing!" Jonathan's resolve to do things his own way lead to arguments and bitter comments and worse. If something is required by Jewish law, a person certainly should not hold back, because others do not abide by the law. Even if others will scoff at him a person should not defer from doing what is right.However, when something is a preferred way of doing a required act then a person should carefully weigh the reaction of others to his performance. The The Mesilat Yesharim, in chapter 20, deals with this issue. When a person is confronted with a situation which is not an absolute requirement, then one must carefully weigh the reaction of others to this behavior. If it will cause anger or resentment or an otherwise negative reaction or provoke a transgression on the part of another, then it is best to hold back and wait for a better opportunity. Even when one is in the realm of the spiritual, where the deed is categorized as one between man and God, still a person must consider that between man and man aspect of his actions. CONSIDER THIS FOR A MINUTE Throughout all the generations the true giants of Torah were noted not only for the.knowledge, but for their exemplary character traits. Great character makes a great person. Rav Abraham Pam zt"l, The Pleasant Way WOULD YOU LIKE TO DEDICATE A MESSAGE IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE? REFUAH SHELEMA? Click Here to go to the 'Donations' area, or E-mail your dedication to RBEYDA2000@AOL.COM . You can Mail your check for: $101 - Shabbat And Holidays $52 - Weekdays Mail To: Raymond Beyda 408 Avenue O Brooklyn, NY 11230 |
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