As we take leave of Parshas Toldos, we provide the splendidly meaningful
words of Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Shlita, as he comments on the final Pesukim of
the Parsha in his classic sefer Love Your Neighbor:
VaYikrah Yitzchak El
Yaakov VaYivarech Oso, VaYitzavehu VaYomer Lo, Lo Tikach Isha MBinos Canaan
(Bereishis 28:1)--And Yitzchak called to Yaakov and blessed him, and [then]
commanded him saying, You shall not take a wife from the daughters of
Canaan.
The Chofetz Chaim used to say that we can
learn from Yitzchak the most effective way of admonishing others. Before
Yitzchak warned his son Yaakov what not to do, he blessed him. Often, you
will not be able to correct someone by shouting at him. (Even if you are
successful, you will have hurt the other persons feelings, and will have
caused ill will.) But if you show a person first that you truly cared about
his welfare, he will much more readily listen to your advice or admonition
(HaChofetz Chaim, Volume 3, p. 1114).
Oh, what a great lesson this is
if we can apply it to the way we speak to our immediate family members,
friends, and colleagues at work.
Important Numbers
