Forgive and Be Forgiven

Rabbi David Chaim Stern shlit’a (image at right, with Rav Shalom Arush shlit’a) was on what looked like his death bed. In a last effort, the doctors tried to revive him and their efforts were a success. A few days ago, he had a dream in which he was told from Above that a few people had insulted him and he must forgive them. The voice in the dream told him that there was anguish Above because he didn’t forgive those people; yet, if he would remain alive and forgive them, he would bring much joy to Hashem. The dream was so vivid that he was told the names of the people he must forgive.

Rabbi Stern awoke from his coma and his dream, took a pen and paper, and wrote a writ of forgiveness for every one of the people who had insulted him. Later, he recounted that he was enabled to wake up from his coma solely by virtue of the fact that he was willing to forgive them. In a follow-up examination, the doctors were amazed at his miraculous full recovery. Indeed, he was healthier…

That’s the way it is – give in to others and you get life; not just life in this world but eternal life. Rachel gave in to Leah and she was rewarded with a son like Joseph, one of the seven spiritual shepherds of our people. Her second son was Benjamin, on whose land was built the Holy Temple. Benjamin was pure and never sinned. This is what Rachel received for giving in to Leah.

Aaron relinquished the leadership of our people to his younger brother Moses, for this was Hashem’s desire. As such, he earned the priesthood for himself and for his offspring until the end of time. Not only that, but he merited a grandson like Pinchas, whose soul was reincarnated in Elijah the Prophet who merited eternal life. As we see, when a person gives in to others, he benefits tremendously. I heard all this from Rabbi Aaron Stern whose father is my honorable teacher Rabbi David Chaim Stern, who says:

Every person must write a writ of forgiveness in his own handwriting that says: “I hereby willingly forgive with a whole heart anyone who has caused me harm in any way.” If he remembers the name of the aggressor, he should write it and say, “I forgive (insert the name) with full and complete forgiveness.” All troubles in life come from a lack of forgiveness!

Nothing protects a person more than loving your fellow man. Peace and love between people are the vessels for every blessing and every salvation.

You never lose when you give in to another person, even when you’re right.

With Hashem’s loving grace, may everyone have the courage to forgive. Don’t be shy or embarrassed – say wholeheartedly, out loud, that you forgive everyone and anyone who ever caused you insult and harm. Wait and see what you gain.