* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
These days are likely to be filled with tension, as we make our final Pesach preparations. This evening, 755 years ago, the Ramban, Rabbi Moshe Ben Nachman, passed away. He was one of our greatest sages and Torah commentators and his words can help us stay calm at this time.
Among the writings the Ramban left behind was "Iggeret HaRamban", an ethical will in the form of a letter to his son. He recommends reading it at least once a week.
Here are three practical pieces of advice from the letter:
* “Accustom yourself to always speak all of your words calmly, to every person and at every time. In doing so you will prevent your anger from flaring, which is a bad attribute in a human being and which may cause him to sin.”
* “When you will have freed yourself from anger, the quality of humility will enter your heart which is the best of all good traits.”
* “Consider everyone as greater than yourself. If he is wise or wealthy, you should give him respect. If he is poor and you are wealthier or wiser than he, consider yourself to be more guilty than he, and that he is more worthy than you, since when he sins it is inadvertent, while you act knowingly.”
Speaking calmly, staying humble, freeing yourself from anger, honoring every person no matter who they may be - this is a wonderful pre-Pesach recipe that everyone can try.
In his memory.
