Give Me A Raise
A couple of weeks ago I taught a class involving ways we disrespect one another. Specifically, by interrupting, answering impetuously without thinking, not listening carefully when others are speaking, and pretending we know what they're talking about when we don't.
Why do people do all these things? Mostly because we think that what we have to say and think is more important than what everyone has to say and think.
There's a scary story about a Talmudic rabbi who had a near-death experience and visited the Next World. When he literally came "down to earth," his colleagues, amazed, pressed him for details. "What did you see up there? What's it like? Who was there?"
"I can't say anything about the Next World," he replied. "I am not at liberty to reveal it. I will, though, tell you one thing about the Next World." And he then proceeded to reveal four words that should change your life. I know it did mine. Those four words are:
"ELYONIM L'MATAH V'TACHTONIM L'MAALAH."
Those that are at the top - down here - are at the bottom in the next world. Society's highest-paid heroes and celebrities are not G-d's heroes. And those that are at the bottom - society's forgotten shining stars - may well be at the top of G-d's totem pole.
Who are the people whom society neglects and forgets? The unsung heroes. The humble and the righteous. The ones who dedicate their lives to helping others and to serving G-d. They might be teachers, therapists, and volunteers. Or they are the shy, needy, or socially challenged people. Yes, all of those.
Who are the people that you, personally, neglect and forget? Whom did you forget to compliment today? Give that person a lift. Give that person a raise. Raise that person from bottom to top. Give them heaven on earth.
And you'll be in heaven, too. Because you gave someone else a raise.
Shabbat Shalom,
Ruchi
