So Reb Akiva Eiger descended from the right door to join the crowds escorting the Nesivos and the Nesivos descended the left door to join the crowds escorting Reb Akiva Eiger. Accordingly, the entire village and the two rabbinic guests were all pulling and pushing an empty wagon into town…
Perhaps we would be hard-pressed to find a mixture of such purity and humility, affording honor for others today, but at the very least, when dealing with those we perhaps regard as less intelligent than ourselves, we should apply the golden rule and consider, “How would I like someone smarter than I am to treat me?”
In addition to encouraging us to act in a kinder and more patient manner toward others, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin points out, this question will remind us that there are many people who are more intelligent than we are. If we don’t believe this, all we have to do is think of a subject about which we know very little.
A prominent Jewish scholar said he has only to think of his need to call in a handyman when there is at leak in his bathroom to remind himself of how limited his expertise is. And just in case you are handy in the bathroom, contemplate how awash you are when it comes to car mechanics, electrical wiring, carpentry or aluminum siding.
(To be continued)
Chodesh Tov – have a pleasant month.