Table Talk from the desk of Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld
March 1-2, 2024 • 22 Adar 1 5784 • Ki Sisa (30-34).
The goal of this email is a gold-medal dinner conversation ... please print & share.
Imagine you're having a fight.
With your spouse, your parent, your child, your sibling, your neighbor....
You know that you're right and they're wrong.
This is not just a matter of opinion – you know that you're right.
Let's say it's about a controversial topic. I'm willing to bet that you have clear and strong opinion about at least one of the following:
- Should abortion be illegal?
- Is Mr. Trump fit to serve in the White House?
- Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza?
- Should Barbie win Best Picture at the Oscars?
- Is it wrong to drive at the speed limit in the left lane?
- Are latkes better with sour cream or apple sauce?
- Are hamentaschen better with poppy seed or chocolate filling?
Pick the topic that you are most clear and convinced about.
So imagine that the person on the other side of the argument is your spouse, your parent, your child, your sibling, your neighbor....
Remember, we're talking about a topic where you know that you're right. You have unassailable arguments, evidence, proofs — give you enough time, and you'll surely win your case. You will surely be able to show them that they're wrong. You are going to win.
The question is, will winning bring you closer in the end, or will you wind up even more distant?
In one of his "Comedians Getting Coffee" routines, Jerry is shmuzing with David Letterman, who is describing his challenges in raising a child and asks Jerry what he would do in a hypothetical situation.
Jerry's response is classic:
— "I support whatever position my wife takes."
— "Because she knows more about parenting than you?"
— "It doesn't matter what you do. But why have a fight with your wife?"
Question for your table: Is he right?
Shabbat Shalom,
Alexander Seinfeld
With your spouse, your parent, your child, your sibling, your neighbor....
You know that you're right and they're wrong.
This is not just a matter of opinion – you know that you're right.
Let's say it's about a controversial topic. I'm willing to bet that you have clear and strong opinion about at least one of the following:
- Should abortion be illegal?
- Is Mr. Trump fit to serve in the White House?
- Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza?
- Should Barbie win Best Picture at the Oscars?
- Is it wrong to drive at the speed limit in the left lane?
- Are latkes better with sour cream or apple sauce?
- Are hamentaschen better with poppy seed or chocolate filling?
Pick the topic that you are most clear and convinced about.
So imagine that the person on the other side of the argument is your spouse, your parent, your child, your sibling, your neighbor....
Remember, we're talking about a topic where you know that you're right. You have unassailable arguments, evidence, proofs — give you enough time, and you'll surely win your case. You will surely be able to show them that they're wrong. You are going to win.
The question is, will winning bring you closer in the end, or will you wind up even more distant?
In one of his "Comedians Getting Coffee" routines, Jerry is shmuzing with David Letterman, who is describing his challenges in raising a child and asks Jerry what he would do in a hypothetical situation.
Jerry's response is classic:
— "I support whatever position my wife takes."
— "Because she knows more about parenting than you?"
— "It doesn't matter what you do. But why have a fight with your wife?"
Question for your table: Is he right?
Shabbat Shalom,
Alexander Seinfeld
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