Hey all, I've finally joined the masses at Substack. Please consider subscribing to my newsletter which will include regular long-form pieces like this, my most recent piece and periodic shorter musings.
I enjoyed your article and have thought awhile about how to respond. I suppose the short answer is, you must walk a mile in the other person's shoes to understand what they're going through and to give at the "appropriate" level.
I've been both the recipient and giver of gifts such as a fine meal or items my friends/family thought I could use, or vice versa. It's easy to make assumptions based on our own knowledge and experience. It's harder, but more mutually beneficial, to consider the other person's knowledge and experience.
So, does The Urban Rabbi live here now, rather than in the blogosphere??
Yes, I’m moving over the Substack — though I hope to post a bit more often and include some varying media. So, a bit less narrow in scope.
Thanks for your support!
Congratulations on your new Substack, Rabbi Burg!
I enjoyed your article and have thought awhile about how to respond. I suppose the short answer is, you must walk a mile in the other person's shoes to understand what they're going through and to give at the "appropriate" level.
I've been both the recipient and giver of gifts such as a fine meal or items my friends/family thought I could use, or vice versa. It's easy to make assumptions based on our own knowledge and experience. It's harder, but more mutually beneficial, to consider the other person's knowledge and experience.
A really helpful framing, thanks Jackie!