Image In The Pond
Hillel taught that we should emulate Aharon Hacohen. "Loving peace and
pursuing peace, loving people and bringing them closer to the Torah"
Aharon viewed all people as potentially good. He did not "write off"
someone just because his or her spiritual status on any given day was not
at all commendable.
He certainly did not compare others to himself or to his illustrious
brother Moshe or his sister Miriam. Everyone, he honestly felt, was worthy
of his special attention and love. He loved "people" not for who they were
but for what they could one day become.
In Mishle--Proverbs-- King Solomon teaches that people react to others like
the reflection of a face in a pool of water--a smile draws a smile and a
frown yields a frown. Aharon knew that true caring and concern brought a
reaction of love in return. He treated and greeted others with kindness and
a smile.
Today, when you are confronted by someone who is not as good as they could
be -- smile. Say or do something nice to them. Then watch them react
positively to your pleasant advances.
It could change someone's life for eternity.
Text Copyright © 2003 Rabbi Raymond Beyda and Project Genesis, Inc.
