"Respect and Decency" \ Day 23 \ 30 Days to Teshuvah
In the following passage, Rav Yisrael outlines the proper format a meeting should follow. This particular meeting concerns strengthening Mussar in the community. It serves as a general guide to all meetings.
"Designate a time on Shabbos Kodesh to gather together and contemplate how you might influence the prominent members of the community to study Mussar, so that the populous will follow their example.
Speak in a pleasant and relaxed manner, without laughter. Do not decide the matter too hastily. Divide the work among all of you, so that it will only be necessary for each of you to devote a minimal amount of time and effort to the task. Proceed with peace of mind, calmness, understanding, and sincerity.
Each person should strengthen his friend, for by doing so, the foolishness of his heart will weaken and the laziness of his heart will diminish. Act with courtesy and pleasantness, and take care to respect the honor of one another. Conduct yourselves with pleasantness and patience. Follow the majority opinion without obstinacy and disagreement. In this way the Mussar will be properly established in your souls, as you so desire."
(Ohr Yisrael, Letter One).
We can sense the climate of respect and decency fostered by these guidelines. Not only does this formula set the tone for a peaceful meeting, but it also creates a pleasant atmosphere in the implementation phase. When the participants endeavor to influence the community leaders to study Mussar, their approach will be peaceful, rational, and encouraging -- reflecting the very atmosphere of the meeting.
In addition, when when one actively encourages others to study Mussar, he will strengthen his own commitment to Mussar. This is so because to encourage others he must present lucid ideas that are grounded on solid logic and pure Torah principles. When he organizes his ideas and expresses his thoughts to others, he reinforces his own commitment to Mussar.
In summation, here is a list of eight rules for conducting a meeting:
- Gather at an appointed time.
- Speak in a pleasant and relaxed manner.
- Avoid laughter and levity.
- Do not decide the matter too hastily.
- Divide the work among the participants.
- Each person should encourage the other participants.
- Act courteously and respectfully.
- Follow the majority opinion.
Tip -- Review these rules and put them into practice.
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