◌ Rationalization: see Leviticus 27:10 -- No excuses or substitutions in the sacrificial beast. According to Maimonides, this was "a response to the human tendency to rationalize" [p. 60] "More than any other character flaw, rationalization makes repentance and self-improvement impossible." Telushkin goes on to write that rationalization, in other words, justifying, wrong behavior will stop, end, make impossible repentance.
◌ "Having a greater concern with prevailing in an argument than with being right. . . . Are there people who so annoy or antagonize you that the moment you hear them assert something, your mind starts searching for arguments to refute it? . . . A fact or a valid argument should be acknowledged as true, whatever its source" [p 61]
I know that I have a problem sometimes with hesitation, within a biblical argument, to debate, to give an opposing opinion, when it will counter someone who is acutely special to me and even when it is contrary to the opinion of someone I believe I know better than others. Sometimes, it just hurts to say/write what I think must be said/written for the sake of my honesty. But I think we need such a strong love for the truth, coupled with such a strong love for people, that we will develop a technique that is ultra-honest and still profoundly respectful for such "opponents."
Oh, my G-d and L-rd, Father of us all! I pray for such an ability that remembers You gave Your life's blood for those who may love me best as well as for those who appear to hate me! And while You help me with this, guide me, please, to honor You in my attitudes and words to all!
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