Way 35: Criticism Is a Gift – How to Receive and Give It Properly [Jewish Inspiration]

In episode thirty-five of the 48 Ways series during the Omer, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches Ohev Et HaTochachot — “love criticism” or loving rebuke. A wise person welcomes criticism because it provides a perspective they are blind to, helping them perfect themselves and avoid pitfalls. Criticism, when done with love and properly, is one of the greatest gifts one can receive — even if the delivery is imperfect, focus on the merit of the message.

Rabbi Wolbe stresses the Torah obligation from Leviticus 19:17: do not hate your fellow in your heart, but rebuke them constructively so you do not bear sin on their account. Criticize the action, not the person (especially important with children). Be grateful to those who care enough to point out flaws, as it can save lives and elevate character. For the critic, the goal must be improvement, not shaming. Love of criticism is a hallmark of wisdom and a key tool for maximizing personal growth and spiritual success.
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Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on June 10, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on February 7, 2023

The 49 days we count between Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot are an exciting time for powerful and impactful change. The Mishna (Avot 6:6) teaches us 48 masterful tools and ways to maximize life and get the most out of each day.
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Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: [email protected]

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Listen More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

• NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
• Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#JewishInspiration, #Omer, #Count, #48Ways, #SpiritualGrowth, #TorahWisdom, #PirkeiAvot, #WisdomDaily