The Torah instructs us to judge people giving them the benefit of the doubt (see last week’s HOTD). By doing this we fulfill a very important Mitzva and we stop the root of Lashon haRa.
Illustration: A Rabbi is giving a speech. In the last row Mr. A. a respected member of the community is seating with a stranger. They seem to be good friends. While the rabbi is speaking, he notices that the two of them don’t stop talking. The rabbi is a little upset. The talking continues. Actually every time the rabbi says something, Mr. A. talks without even trying to hide it! The Rabbi considers stopping his speech and demand from Mr. A. to be silent, but he knows this will greatly embarrass Mr. A. in public and decides to continue. You can see in the Rabbi’s face that he is very irritated.
As soon as he finishes his speech he goes to reprimand Mr. A for his disrespect. To the Rabbi’s surprise Mr. A.smiles at him and before the Rabbi can pronounce a word Mr. A. says “Dear rabbi, great speech! Let me introduce you to my cousin, Gerard. He is from France and he does not speak a word of English. But I translated to him your whole speech!!!!”.
Train yourself to give the benefit of the doubt!
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