Ask The Rabbi

Ask The Rabbi

category:  Chassidut

Someone is angry with me…

The Rav Name: Rabbi Yitzchak Arad

Rabbi, I need your important help please, could you give me an advice? someone blocked my contact by all means of communication (email, whatsup etc)she’s angry with me and I already sent her many emissaries but he does not want to forgive me? I wrote her a letter with all my heart and she only got angrier, I know that she is a little sick in the negative way she thinks, what is my obligation to do? Thank you so much

Shalom and thank you for your question!

Someone important to you has cut him/herself off from you by blocking all means of contact, and you have tried making peace but your efforts are being rejected.

A wise friend once told me that there are two Torahs, (of course there are not but a point is being made,) mine and  yours. Meaning, if for example you lent me  money, it is ‘my Torah’ to make sure: a. To pay it back,  and b. To do so as quickly as possible.

You, on the other hand, have a duty to be patient and not cause me embarrassment or discomfort because of it.

Also in your case,  your friend has a duty, according to the Torah,  to forgive you if you ask sincerely three times, and you have a duty to do so sincerely.

There is an implication that you did something inappropriate to the person in question. However it may also be that the person involved has some issues to resolve and it is not your fault. Either way, you need to discuss this with a Rabbi or spiritual mentor who knows more details about the situation, so that you can get objective guidance.

If you either, a. Did something wrong but sincerely regret it and are willing to take responsibility for your actions, or b. You didn’t do anything wrong but the relationship with the person in question is very important to you and you doubt your abilities to reestablish the relationship on good terms, in both cases it is highly recommended to take counsel with a Rabbi in your vicinity, or with someone knowledgeable in Torah who is understanding and sympathetic.

It is very important to have an ongoing relationship with such people, as it says in the tractate ‘Ethics of the Fathers,’ also known as Pirkei Avot, “Take for yourself a Rabbi and acquire for yourself a friend “

A friend should be someone who shares your ideals and goals in the Jewish sense. When you discuss things with a true friend,  you are able to be more objective,  since a person is always subjective in relation to himself,  sometimes being too harsh on himself and sometimes too soft.

Once you have made the best efforts you can, you must trust  HaShem (G-d,) that matters will sort themselves out.

It is a  good practice to pray (or say psalms, ) for the welfare of the person in question,  to arouse compassion in yourself and in Heaven for the person.

It is very commendable that you care enough to seek advice, and we wish you success in achieving a harmonious relationship within yourself, with your friend,   and with everyone else you need to!

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