Priorities

Hi,

"One is more obligated to be careful not to harm others than to protect himself from harm."

(Tosafot, Bava Kama 23a וליחייב (the second one))

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Addictive transgressions

Hi,

"Five behaviours draw a person perpetually, and separating from them is difficult. Therefore, one must be careful of them, lest he become attached to them. All of them involve very bad traits. They are:

"Tale-bearing;

Speaking harmfully of others;

Anger;

Thinking negatively of others [and as some explain, plotting to harm them];

Joining the wicked, such that one learns from his deeds and they are engraved upon his heart…"

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 4:5)

גמר חתימה טובה,

Mordechai

Using someone else's lulav

Hi,

[This is too late for this Succos, but it still teaches an important lesson.]

A man may use someone else's lulav without asking, albeit only gently, since we believe that people are happy to have others use their property for a mitzvah.

A woman may similarly use someone else's lulav without asking. Even though she is not obligated in the mitzvah, it is still meritorious for her to fulfill the mitzvah.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:106)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Informing someone of a sin he committed accidentally

Hi,

A man asked about a transgression he and his wife had committed unknowingly, and which he had now discovered. He wanted to know whether he should tell his wife, so that she could repent.

The rule is that accidental sin does require atonement, and therefore he should inform his wife, so that she will have the opportunity to atone.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 1:175)

המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai

Consideration

Hi,

A sage should not travel in an area where this would force others to rise in his honor, if he can avoid it.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 244:6, 244:16; Taz Yoreh Deah 244:8)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Visiting a sick enemy

Hi,

Mahari (ישנות 197) noted that one is obligated to visit people whether he likes them or not, unless his dislike is rooted in dislike for that person's wicked conduct.

Of course, one should not visit an ill person if that would agitate and upset the visited party.

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Repentance for financial crimes

Hi,

One who harms another person physically or financially does not atone even by paying all restitution and fines, until he admits the sin and repents, committing never to repeat the sin.

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai