Ethics

For the week ending 30 January 2010 / 14 Shevat 5770

Listening Patiently

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

Question: I am frequently approached by friends and neighbors with problems they think I can solve for them. In some cases I am tempted to cut them short because I lack the expertise or experience necessary for advising them. What is the right thing to do?

Answer: When one has a heavy heart, say our Talmudic Sages, he should unburden it by speaking to others.

The person who approaches you as a non-professional advisor is not necessarily looking for a brilliant solution. Just talking to you about the problem makes the worried person feel better.

But don't underestimate your ability to actually help solve the problem. Perhaps you have been chosen by Providence to serve as the successful advisor and will therefore gain Heavenly assistance in coming up with a solution.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at [email protected] and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Ethics

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.