_(english).jpg "Oblivious to the Music")
_(english).jpg "15 Lessons from Shiva")
I wonder if there is anyone in this generation capable of giving reprimand. (Arachin according to the reading of Shitah Mekubetzes 16b)
This statement appears strange. Many people seem ready and willing to offer constructive criticism.
Criticism is a sharp instrument. It can cut us as deeply as a surgeon’s scalpel. A medical student must undergo many years of training before he or she can become a surgeon and make an incision which will lead to the improvement of someone’s health. Even the most carefully calculated and well-performed surgical incision is a painful wound, and if the surgeon cannot apply himself to alleviating the patient’s suffering and restoring his health, he has no right to make a cut.
Before we criticize someone, even if we have the finest intentions for that person’s betterment, we should give serious thought to what we are doing. We must be aware that our remarks will inevitably cause emotional pain, and unless we are ready to assume responsibility for helping the person cope with the pain and assist him or her in making the changes we recommend, we should refrain from criticizing.
Already in the days of the Talmud, the existence of the unique ability to criticize constructively was questioned. We have little reason to believe that we are more competent in this respect today.
Parents who discipline their children are also ready to invest themselves in their children’s betterment. This attitude is required before providing constructive criticism.
(1) mysteries, September 17, 2009 9:08 PM
Anaesthesia
There are many examples after the Talmud and beyond where Hebrew sages led exemplary lives and whose teachings and events from their lives inspired their contemporaries to interesting ways of living, thinking and acting. Their tireless work and enthusiasm helped countless persons to achieve a better understanding of life, dilemmas, illogic and responsibilities.