Often principals parents or teachers will draw a line in the sand making it clear that they will never do something or always act a certain way. Passionate people often speak in absolutes.
Experience has humbled me teaching me to be more careful when analyzing situations and offering my assessment learning to avoid viewing things as black and white true or false. Especially in dealing with people we have to remember “Al tadin es chavercha ad shetagia limkomo — don’t judge your fellow until you reach his place” (Pirkei Avos 2:5). Who are we to judge?
I recently returned from a wonderful Pesach program held at the Sheraton in San Diego. One of my grandsons was part of the administration and I had the opportunity to present several sessions. I enjoyed myself and when I returned home one of my sons was listening as I shared my delight.
When I finished talking he reminded me that many years ago I had categorically declared that I would never ever participate in a Pesach program in a hotel. He also reminded me that over the years whenever I heard about people planning to join a program I reiterated that pledge numerous times.
