Kings<\/em> 2:8).<\/p>\nThis Presidents Day, Rabbi Eliezer offers us a far more constructive approach to dealing with others \u2013 detractors, opponents, and rivals included: \u201cLet the honor of your fellow be as precious to you as your own, and do not be easy to anger\u201d (Pirkei Avot 1:15). Mudslinging may be a term closely associated with the political arena, but the inclination to insult and disparage rivals (real or perceived) is a moral failing to which we are all at times susceptible.<\/p>\n
Like Shimei ben Gera \u2013 we, together with our political leaders, would do well to heed the advice of both Rabbi Eliezer\u2026 and the insightful, two-time Democratic presidential nominee, Adlai Stevenson II, who observed, \u201cHe who slings mud generally loses ground.\u201d<\/p>\n
(Rabbi Joseph Prouser is the rabbi of Temple Emanuel of North Jersey and the National Chaplain of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting.)<\/em><\/p>\n
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