We live in an age when mentschlichkeit is often thrust aside for other more brash and self-assured interpersonal styles. The world, especially American culture, admires the confidence that is projected in such assertive styles, and people quickly learn that their message will fall by the wayside if they don’t proclaim and press their message as loudly as the next guy.
Of course, there is no principle in Judaism that says it is a problem to be confident, even a zealot, when the situation demands it. Nonetheless, too often we forget the famous advice by Hillel to “Be of the disciples of Aharon loving peace and pursuing peace, loving the creatures and bringing them closer to Torah.”
When it comes right down to it, there are way too many loud voices and “zealots” who are not really interested in a higher goal, but only in their ego, their position, etc. We must remember what our true goals are (or should be), which is shalom, loving others and bringing them closer to Torah.
Mentschlichkeit has many aspects, but for the purposes of this short piece I would like to emphasize treating others with kindness, empathy and respect. I would add that for a mentsch, listening is often more important than speaking. These mentschlichkeit qualities decrease conflict, increase collaboration and help us remember that we are all in this together. Without these more enlightened attitudes, we all suffer.
