There are two prohibitions in the Torah: “not to offend.” One of them talks about the prohibition of deception in financial matters, and the other talks about the prohibition of offending in the simplest sense of the word: “And do not offend one another, and fear your God...” (Vayikra 25, 17). Let's talk about the second ban.

No, we are not just talking about outright insults here... If we open our sources, we will see that it is much easier to “offend” another than we imagine. Let us give some examples from the Talmud and other ancient books.

A person who lived wickedly and did bad things, but then pulled himself together and reformed (in Hebrew, “baal' teshuva”). You can’t remind him of his “past life.” This can hurt him, even if he maintains outward calm.

The same applies to people who converted to Judaism. Not everyone likes to remember their ancestry.

You went into a store and ask the seller about some product that you are not really going to buy... This is not good because you are breaking his expectations. (Unless you immediately tell him about your goals).

You can offend a person with a hint, a mockery, a gesture...

Even at home you need to be on guard. The book "Chinuch", written 700 years ago, writes about this: "You should be careful not to hurt small children with your words. (Permitted only when it is necessary for their upbringing). This applies to sons, daughters and everyone households . And whoever is careful in this will receive life, blessing and respect."

Imagine how pleasant it is to live in a society that follows these principles!

(Channel "Toldot. About family and self-development." R. Eliau Levin)

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