As I get older and interact with more people, I notice how different people have different values. Some people are very hospitable. Some have excellent table manners. Some are extremely generous. Some know how to speak to others kindly, even when being firm or opinionated.
Noticing others' values makes me quite aware of my own. I was taught that you always put others before yourself (when appropriate). I was taught that you always offer food and drink to a guest, especially if you're going to have some, and that you don't take something for yourself that you can't share with your guest. I was taught that you always speak to others respectfully, no matter how much you disagree with them. I was taught to sit straight at the table. I was taught to be honest. I was taught to use my brain. I was taught to respect my parents, and also my teachers. I was taught to be positive, to always see the glass half full.
Happy belated birthday* to my dad, who taught me these and other important values, life lessons, and other such things** when I was young. They are ingrained in me forever (even if I'm still working on some of them). I love you!
*It was actually on Sunday, March 14th
**Such as which bridges go where and how to spell the names of neighboring towns
4 comments:
I was taught that you always offer food and drink to a guest
Were you ever taught to accept the offer!? :P
Really nice - happy birthday, Erachet's Dad!
Were you ever taught to accept the offer!? :P
I think that part was left out of my education. :P
thanks for the wishes. I love you too !!!
"I was taught that you always offer food and drink to a guest, especially if you're going to have some"- It's also the halacha. It's from Masechet Derech Eretz and quoted in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Gantzfreid (42/14).
Though things like honesty are obviously also halachot, in fact it's an explicit "De'Oraita", but many are more lenient about it than lesser issurim.
"Were you ever taught to accept the offer?"- It does say "שונא מתנות יחיה", but if there's not really enough to go around, you shouldn't take (42/18 in the above mentioned book).
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