Rebbe Baruch of Mezhibuz: Careful With People's Dignity

PEOPLE ARE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO SWALLOW AN INSECT, BUT THEY ARE NOT CAREFUL ABOUT DEVOURING A PERSON.

Attribution printed on the image: Rebbe Baruch of Mezhibuz

A reflection on the teaching

The sharp comparison asks whether our care for mitzvos also reaches how we speak about people. We may inspect food carefully while repeating a story that damages someone's dignity. The teaching does not reduce the importance of kashrus. It asks us to bring seriousness to interpersonal responsibility as well. Before passing along a negative account, pause and consider whether there is a legitimate need to share it, and seek guidance where necessary. Is this conversation helping address a problem, or merely giving everyone another person to judge?

Source note: The attribution above is transcribed from the image. The exact source and English wording have not been independently verified.