שבת Date: 11 Elul, 5774 (9/6/14) – MoedKatan#26 {Tani}

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Muddling Minds

[26b bottom] The Rabbis: One should not inform an ill person that a relative has died, as we do not want the person’s mind to become muddled. Similarly, one should not rend garments in the person’s presence and we silence woman from lamenting as well.

T’s Lesson: We should try never to overwhelm someone who is sick with very distressing and/or saddening news. Rather, we should wait for a time that the sick one is of a better mind and body. Someone sick in acute state should not be told terrible news until they recuperate into a better frame when they might be better able to handle the situation.