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From: Russell Hendel <rhendel@saber.towson.edu>
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 00:26:32 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Who lacks manners? A defense of Rude Meshulachim

I just finished reading about 50 MJ postings. I was shocked that no
one defended the so called "rude" meshulachim. Don't we paskin by the
Chafetz Chaiim. Here is a story I once heard

The Chafetz Chaiim was in a bar and there was this person drinking and
cursing. He was by himself in one side of the room. The Chafetz Chaiim
asked who he was. "He was one of the Jews that were conscripted in the
Russian Army at 5 and just got out now at 30--he sits and drinks and
curses all day--no one will have anything to do with him".

It is related that the Chafetz Chaiim went over to this individual
and said to him in soft tones "My friends tell me how much of a saint
you are---you were 25 years in the Russian army and your only vice is
that you curse a little..." He continued for a half hour. The person
changed and became a devout and Pious Jew.

I think the moral of the story is clear. It is not for us to judge
people who have been thru hard times. A meshulach who lives the
humiliating life of a beggar should not be held accountable if he is
rude and pushy. On the contrary we who are better off should have
pity on them.

So...if you want say 'No' and close the door---but don't act like they
are the ones who lack manners. Any Meshulach who walks around like a
beggar, gets constantly rejected and is only pushy is certainly a saint.

Russell Jay Hendel; PHd ASA
Moderator Rashi is Simple
http://www.RashiYomi.Com/
Surfing the Talmudic Sea