* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Eight years have gone by since the passing of Chani Weinrot, of blessed memory. She was an author and lecturer who was an inspiration for many as she battled a terminal illness.
Here is something she wrote that is especially pertinent to today:
“I discovered a phenomenon that amazed me. Every time someone shared difficult news with me, during most of our exchange they only described how others responded to the news.
They might say: ‘The doctor was so insensitive to what I was going through; I was crushed’ or ‘You cannot believe how much my husband did for me and how devoted he was to helping me through this crisis.”
Someone tells you their life is in shambles but all that matters is the humanity, the steadfastness, the friendship, and the empathy of others. Is this an escape from reality? Absolutely not. The reactions of others are simply what interests people who are enduring painful circumstances.
Even for Job, the Biblical figure extolled for his capacity to cope with tragedy, how his friends reacted to his plight was of critical importance.
When hearing bad news, someone’s feelings will be determined by the reactions of those who are with them at that moment. The way others respond is a matter of life and death.”
Take this insight with you today, notice how you respond to others, and may our only responses be to hearing good news.
In her memory.
