Sensitivity to Strangers
"You must not oppress strangers." (Shemos 23:;9)
A stranger or a covert feels like an outsider in relationship to the in-group. His uncertainty about being fully accepted makes the stranger far more sensitive than others. Therefore, the Torah cautions us to show extra sensitivity to strangers and to be very careful to avoid any behavior which he might perceive as oppressive.
Lesson: The stranger is under constant stress of battling for social acceptance. Therefore, we are required to show them even more sensitivity than we would require for ourselves.
App: Reflect on the particular sensitivities of other people and make the maximum effort to not offend them.
(Based on the commentary of Rashi)
L'iluye Nishamos Rav Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yhudah Yoseph
Dedicated to Yochaon Baruch ben Fruma Etta for Refuah Sheleimah
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