Special Request

 The woman was echoing a common theme.

“No one appreciates what I do for the family. My husband arrives home after 7 p.m. and expects to find a warm dinner. My kids eat quickly and ‘forget’ to even put their dishes in the sink. Does anyone have a proper appreciation of what I do for them?” She poured out her heart through her tears. “Rabbi when will they do something for me to show their recognition?”

I listened. I wondered what words of wisdom I could possibly offer that would give her comfort.

I noticed her husband that night at Maariv. I decided to approach him after davening and talk to him about his wife. However when Maariv was over I glanced over at his seat and noticed he was still davening. So first I answered the questions of those who’d gathered around my shtender. When everyone was gone I looked back over. He was still davening. I thought to myself “Maybe if he gave his wife as much attention as he gives his davening he’d have better shalom bayis.” And then I was upset with myself for my thoughts; I hadn’t even heard his side of the story and already I was judging him.