The Divrei Shmuel of Slonim zt'l taught his son, the Beis Avraham zt'l, a rule of rabbinic leadership that his son could use when he became a rebbe. The Divrei Shmuel told him that when someone goes against you, repay him with kindness. Don't fight back because you will only lose in the end. The Divrei Shmuel told his son a story that happened to him in his younger years, when he would travel from city to city to deliver Chasidic drashos, to strengthen the communities. "In one city, a person would always seek a way to disagree or disprove what I said. At first, I didn't understand what he wanted from me, but then I understood that he simply is looking for opportunities to oppose me and to make my life miserable. So I decided to help him. I purposely made mistakes so he could feel good about correcting me. Now, this person is from my loyal chasidim, prepared to do anything for me. This is the only way. To be kind to those who do bad to you. If you fight back, you won’t gain anything other than making your life miserable."
More in this printout
- Judging Others FavorablyExplore the mitzvah of judging others favorably, its role in fostering peace, and how our judgment of others influences how Heaven judges us.
- Judging Hashem FavorablyAn exploration of judging Hashem favorably through the lens of Parashat Kedoshim, featuring stories of Rebbe Shayele Kerestirer and others who saw good in hards
- Lo SikomExplore the prohibition of taking revenge as explained by Sefer HaChinuch, emphasizing that all events are decreed by Hashem and illustrated by Dovid HaMelech.
- The Obligation of Hakaras HatovThe Chasam Sofer explains why Bnei Yisrael did not use their weapons against the Egyptians, highlighting the profound obligation of hakaras hatov for past favor
- Repaying Evil with KindnessExplore the profound Torah value of repaying evil with kindness through stories of the Tosher Rebbe and the Imrei Emes on overcoming hatred and showing gratitud
- The Importance of Honoring Those Who Helped YouMoshe Rabbeinu's refusal to leave Midyan without Yisro's consent teaches the profound obligation of hakaras hatov toward those who provide us with hospitality.
- Repaying Evil with Kindness According to Dovid HaMelechExplore Reb Sadya Gaon's interpretation of Tehillim 41, where Dovid HaMelech seeks to repay his enemies with kindness rather than revenge to earn Hashem's favor
- Overcoming Negative TendenciesA story of the Imrei Yosef of Spinka who overcame negative feelings by honoring a guest who had previously ignored his requests for help.
- Letting Go of ConflictRebbe Hershel of Ziditchov and Reb Shimshon Pinkus offer insights on ending conflict through kindness and the power of the one hundred daily blessings.
- Build and Don't BreakA collection of inspiring stories about Reb Moshe Feinstein's wife, the Nesivos Sholom, and other sages illustrating the importance of sensitivity and positive