In this week's Parsha, Noach, we read that Noach planted a vineyard, made wine, got drunk and uncovered himself in his tent. His son Cham "saw his nakedness," and told his brothers Shem and Yafes. They, walking backwards, covered their father, "and they did not see their father's nakedness."
What was the difference between Cham and his brothers? What lesson can we take from Shem and Yafes about how we should see others?
When a friend has a downfall, when he has a moral failing, what do you see?
Some are like Cham, all they see is the "nakedness," the negative. All their friend's positivity is lost to them, they could only see him for his failing.
To this person, the Baal Shem Tov says, that if you see a negative trait in a friend, it is because you have that very same negative trait. Since he has it, he sees it in others and he needs to correct his own failing.
Others are like Shem and Yafes. They see their friend as the good person he always was. They don't see their friend's "Nakedness," they refuse to define him by his failing. His failing needs to be corrected, but he himself is good.
Because he sees his friend as good, he is in position to help his friend correct his ways.
Seeing good in people is a positive trait. Seeing positive in people uplifts them and uplifts you.
What was the difference between Cham and his brothers? What lesson can we take from Shem and Yafes about how we should see others?
When a friend has a downfall, when he has a moral failing, what do you see?
Some are like Cham, all they see is the "nakedness," the negative. All their friend's positivity is lost to them, they could only see him for his failing.
To this person, the Baal Shem Tov says, that if you see a negative trait in a friend, it is because you have that very same negative trait. Since he has it, he sees it in others and he needs to correct his own failing.
Others are like Shem and Yafes. They see their friend as the good person he always was. They don't see their friend's "Nakedness," they refuse to define him by his failing. His failing needs to be corrected, but he himself is good.
Because he sees his friend as good, he is in position to help his friend correct his ways.
Seeing good in people is a positive trait. Seeing positive in people uplifts them and uplifts you.
We all need friendship to keep us going and to strengthen our moral self. Be a good friend, be an uplifting friend. Uplift a friend and you will positively effect his circle of influence and so on. This is one of the ways, Ahavas Yisroel, loving your fellow Jew, uplifts the world and brings Moshiach.
I enjoyed that very much! Thank you..
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteSo important to keep this in mind always...thank you!
Deleteimpressive,grand, awe-inspiring impactful, breathtaking,jaw-dropping phenomenal piece of art.
DeleteI'd always tell my children that there is something to learn from everyone. "What about the "bad" people, one of my kids asked. My answer -- you learn what not to do. But you are right -- there is good in everyone -- it is up to us to recognize it. Thoughtful and insightful post.
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