| Three Rules of Friendship \ Pirkei Avot D'var Torah: "Rabbi Eliezer said, Let the honor that your friend gives to you be as dear to you as the honor you give to him. And do not be easily angered." (Avos 2:10). This teaching reveals three secrets to healthy and peaceful interpersonal relationships. Firstly, it is human nature to assume that others give us less than the respect that we deserve. Secondly, we need to counterbalance the tendency of suspecting that others do not fully respect us. Therefore, our Sages advise us to strengthen our relationships by consciously assuming that our friends actually respect us beyond the norm. Thirdly, by correcting the problem of perceived disrespect we avoid anger, the undoing of relationships.
Moral: The Torah instructs us to view our relationships through a positive lens, in order to correct the tendency of assuming that we receive less than the respect that we deserve.
Application: Reflect on the relationships that you share with your family and friends. Consciously adjust your perception by assuming that your friends respect you just as much as you respect them. View all of your relationships in a positive light so that you will find personal happiness, peace, and lasting friendships. (Based on the commentary of Ruach HaChaim) |
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph
Refuah Shleimah
Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Riva bas HenyaZivia bas RaizelLeah Hadassah bas Michal ChanaChava Bas Michal ChanahChaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora
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