Ask The Rabbi

Ask The Rabbi

category:  Chassidut

One of my sons has work equipment taking over my home.

One of my sons has work equipment taking over my home. I have put up with this for years and up to a few weeks ago (was ignorant until then) work went on as usual even on the Sabbath when he had jobs. He does not live with me and uses me so he doesn’t have to pay rent for his machines that takes up my entire garage. There are at least 55 large boxes taking up my entire den, two large work tables, ect… and the furnature that was in that room is now stacked in my living room.
Last Friday I informed him he was not to come on the sabbath and I insisted. He conformed and did not come over. But this week he pretended to conveniently forget what I said before. I had explained he would never get to work on the Sabbath here again and that would never change. He began to argue with me. I said under no circumstances was he to work here on the Sabbath. He has six days to get as much done as he can, but this is my home, not his place of business. I realize I should have learned God’s law earlier, but that is in the past. He went so far as to pay over a thousand dollars to put two special breakers in outside so my electricity will stop kicking off every few minutes. I was afraid the house would catch fire. He refuses to pay his part of the electric bill which doubles when he is working a job. I am at my wits end and don’t know how to stand my ground and be kind to him at the same time.
My oldest son stays with me and pays the bills and the only thing he does on Saturday is goof of on the computer. (He does not believe in God at all.) So I don’t say much to him but maybe I should?
I’m retiring in December and won’t get my first small check till February of 2021. The son I’m having trouble with right now today I know is going to try to work anyway. What am I to do? I am in desperate need of advice and don’t know who to turn to.
Should I allow this last job then order him to remove all his equipment, desks, and extra household items he is lavishly storing all over my home? I am also afraid he could do something rash to himself. He tries to get me to feel guilty but it will not happen this time. I will obey God.
Satan does not want me to obey God’s Commandments. Please help me. Please? Thank you for any assistance you can give or offer.

Shalom and thank you for your question!
When dealing with grown children, the way to go is by being careful to speak calmly and quietly, and to realize that we cannot always be in charge of their relationship with G-d.

It would probably be best if you could find someone to consult with by phone, because it is difficult to answer a very general description of the situation.

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