By Rabbi
Yisroel Shusterman
This
week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of
his late mother Mrs. Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM
One of the opening
passages of this week's Torah portion (Tzav [Leviticus] 6:1-8:36) tells us,
"[The priest] shall remove his garments and don other garments; and he
shall then take the ashes to a pure place, outside of the camp" (Leviticus
6:4). The commentaries explain: since the removal of ash will most likely soil
his vestments, the Torah recommends that he change his clothing for this
particular task. Thus the Torah teaches common courtesy - "it is unseemly
to wear the same attire in the kitchen as when pouring wine for a master."
The Torah is
teaching the need of changing 'garments' for different functions.
It Once Happened...
Rabbi Shmuel of
Lubavitch often spent hours receiving visitors in private. During this time he
would perspire profusely and on occasion even excused himself in the middle of
an interview to change his garments. When asked for the reason he explained,
"When I receive a visitor I am wearing my own 'garments.' But to
understand his comments from his perspective I must remove my garments and don
his. At this point I must consider the problem from my own perspective and for
that I must don my own garments. Having developed a suitable response I must
dress my advice in words suitable to my visitor's ears, and for that I must
once again don his garments. Going through this procedure of this constant
change of 'garments', are you surprised that I perspire so much?" Such is
the art of listening.
Every counselor is
advised to listen to his patient or client without forming judgment. This
means, to virtually crawl into the patient's mind and hear their troubles from
their perspective. Sometimes a friend or client simply requires the compassion
and empathy that a listening ear provides.
The next time
someone pours his heart out to you, look into his eyes and listen quietly and
'actively' with full focus, without assumptions. Often we jump to conclusions
without really hearing the whole 'story'. In fact, the Rambam (Maimonides)
teaches that before a rabbi or Dayan (Rabbinical court judge) can decide a
Halacha or pass a court decision, the Rabbi needs to repeat the story or case
back to the litigant or one presenting the question, in the Rabbi’s own words,
so that it will be realized that the Rabbi properly heard the case and did not
jump to conclusions. You may then find that your perhaps 'bright' solutions are
unwanted, misdirected, and even unnecessary.
Properly directed compassion can solve problems, our empathy can sooth
fears, even our silence, when used wisely and appropriately, can often calm a
raging mind.
From
Chabad.org - Rabbi Yanki Tauber
May you have a meaningful and uplifting
Shabbos!
