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Thanks, Rabbi. You are great! I have mentioned to you before my philosophy of returning good deeds. When someone, especially a stranger, does something nice for you, like holding the door for you or letting you cut into a line of traffic, return the nice gesture to a stranger. This is how a civilized society should behave and treat each other.

Susan Raquel's avatar

I call that Pass it Forward.

Likewise, if I do something helpful and they say thankyou, I respond by saying "you are welcome, Pass it Forward. :-)

Jodie Pine's avatar

I could not stop laughing with your day-in-the-life segment. Those Lashon hara rules seem pretty strict, but certainly something we can all strive for. I consider myself a well-intentioned decent person but I don't think I'd last an hour, especially with all the terrible things going on in the world now. Does mumbling/growling to oneself while doomscrolling count as breaking the rules?

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Mumbling is fine. I think the point of these rules is that they are impossible to keep. It is impossible to be perfect, which is both humbling and encouraging. The playing field is level. All we can do is strive to improve.

Patricia Edraos's avatar

Never thought of it before, but it is interesting that this is an extension of "do unto others..." Maybe in honor of the day I won't turn on Youtube tonight and comment to the family on the political news of the day. Or not. At any rate, thank you.

Susan Raquel's avatar

Good Morning Rabbi, Hope you have a Nice Day. :-)