The Weekly Torah class takes place on Wednesday evenings. I do not teach the class (although I do come as a student). One of the benefits of having Mr. Michael Barnett teach the class is that he was not always observant. He has the perspective of the students and knows what it means to drive on shabbat or eat non-kosher. He was once there.
Upon seeing the Jewish people worshiping the golden calf, Moses throws down the tablets in anger. The Talmud tells us that anger is akin to idol worship.
Why would Moses get angry? Because he wanted to "be there", to truly "get it" and understand what it means to have experienced "idol worship" in a subtle form. In this way, he would be in a better position to help the Jews rehabilitate themselves.
The same thing happens with Esther in the megillah. She ensures that all the Jews are included in the miracle, even those who attended the party of Achashverosh. Esther knew their challenge and was able to empathize. Perhaps they didn't want to sin yet the temptation was too strong. Living in the house of Achashverosh, Esther understood the challenge of kosher, Shabbos etc. Esther knew how hard it was to withstand the test.
When you see someone doing something wrong and you want to guide them and help them heal, ensure you have the tools to understand them in a personal way. You can only guide, lead and if need be, chastise, if you've been there yourself.
This is the deeper secret we must understand. If we haven't walked that proverbial mile in another person's shoes, we dare not judge them. We must recognize that it is something we cannot relate to that led another to this place where they are.
It is only through love and understanding that we will ever be able to connect and identify. Holding a space in our hearts, allows them to see a kindred spirit there to help, and not a judging preacher there to lecture.
Try out our weekly class (email me to add you to the weekly class email) or just join us in person at Chabad or on zoom at www.harfordchabad.org/tszoom Wednesdays at 7:30 PM .
At the weekly class you can ask any question and the teacher knows what you are going through, he has been there.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman