The Jewish Yardstick

There is a system of measurement called "The Jewish Yardstick."

The Jewish yardstick is simple to use and it doesn't interfere with any other system of measurement. The rules for using the Jewish yardstick are as follows:

When measuring up your neighbor, friend, co-worker, relative or any stranger, judge him leniently and favorably.
When measuring yourself and your accomplishments, be stringent.

In Chasidic terminology one would say: Look at another with the "right eye", with kindness; look at yourself with the "left eye", with strictness or severity.

Such an approach is based on the commandment to "Love your fellow as yourself." Just as a person's intrinsic self-love allows him to overlook his own faults, so too, must we overlook the faults of another.

In regard to our personal conduct, we strive to both push away the negative and to do good. When relating to another individual however, the Jewish yardstick's method is to channel our energies solely into the positive path of "Do good."

Although there may be times when someone's conduct warrants reproof, before criticizing - even before giving "constructive criticism" - we should question ourselves as to whether we are fit to be the one to administer it. Furthermore, if reproof must be given, one must first love the other person just as a father loves his child. And of course, it should be offered gently, which will obviously enable it to be accepted more readily than harsh speech. Moreover, such words should be spoken only on select occasions.

Be extra kind and be extra sensitive, for the ultimate value of every Jew is after all, immeasurable.