In the inner dimensional writings of Judaism, very stringent guidelines are set regarding misplaced pride - haughtiness. Nothing can more easily confuse and distract a person from the path to holiness. On the verse in our portion: "And you should make a fence on your roof", (Deut. 22:8) the Shelah connects the concept of a roof - a high place - to haughtiness, a person feeling superior to others. Just as we are instructed to make a boundary around a roof, so, too, we must make a boundary around our pride. And if not, G‑d forbid, from there will be our downfall, as the verse continues, "…lest the faller will fall from it".

People tragically err by assuming that the consequences of their bad attributes are theirs alone….

The Lubavitcher Rebbe notes that the "faller" is not the owner of the house, but another person, a guest. In fact, the commandment is that a person must make his house safe, not to protect himself, but rather to protect the visitor. According to this we can more fully understand the comment of the Shelah, that the intention of the words: "the faller will fall from it" is to emphasize the gravity of haughtiness in a community leader. Making a fence against pride is not only intended to protect oneself from a spiritual fall and disillusionment. Its main focus is on others. People tragically err by assuming that the consequences of their bad attributes are theirs alone. Jews are all connected, and a person must understand that if he or she is afflicted with false pride, it will ultimately have a negative effect on those with whom he or she interacts.

An example of this in day-to-day life: The Talmud states that "something that comes from a person's heart" — with pure, selfless intention — "enters into the heart of another" and achieves its goal. On the other hand, if the listener senses that the advice, instructions or reprimands are filled with haughtiness and pride, not only will the words not enter the recipient's heart, they are capable of estranging the person completely and pushing them away from Jewish lifestyle.

Every person has an obligation to try to influence his neighbors in a positive way….

In these last days before the imminent arrival of Mashiach, every person has an obligation to try to influence his neighbors in a positive way. Particularly during these days of the month of Elul, when G‑d's 13 Attributes of Mercy are especially revealed, each person is aided in fixing his or her faults. It is important that we take the time to examine our motivations and deeds. Ultimately, this will not only impact us but will also benefit those around us. May each of us be signed and sealed for a good and sweet year.

Shabbat Shalom, Shaul

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