I’m in a bad mood. It’s been a long day. I’m tired and should be in bed. Instead, I’m checking e-mails too late and trying to get caught up with the things I should have done yesterday.
The Incredible Hulk (when he was Bruce Banner and right before he “transformed” into the Hulk) used to say, “Don’t make me angry. You won’t like me when I’m angry.” To the author of an e-mail I received this evening I offer the same advice – don’t make me angry. Because despite the fact that I may appear to be lazy and undisciplined, I’m neither. You may think I’m easily intimidated, but I’m not. And it might seem to you that I don’t really know what I’m talking about but I assure you, I’m quite smart.
I can put up with a lot. Treat me badly – fine. I’ll let it go. Tell me you don’t like me very much? Great. I’ll apologize and walk away; hell, I’ll even try to avoid you. But DON’T tell me I don’t understand Judaism. You see, THAT makes me angry, and I guarantee, although you may not have seen it yet, you WON’T like me when I’m angry.
And Sara Laughed... 
I am quite aware of your knowledge of Judaism. The writer of the hateful email was WRONG–wrong to write such an email, and wrong about what was written!
Thank you, Rabbi! Your post came at a time when I most needed to read it and I feel very humbled by what you wrote.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Welcome Sara to the whole world of Jews! I have been told that by many before. I was born and raised Jewish. My family is Jewish, yet I have been informed that I just don’t understand what I know. In other words someone doesn’t agree with me and they resort to calling me stupid. After all they tried ignorance and I retorted with knowledge, so the next step is I just do not get it or I do not understand. I would not take it to heart it just exposes that person’s inability to accept your point or whatever. Be confidant in who you are.
Thanks for the words of wisdom, Ruth! 🙂
I’m really curious what caused the person to send you an email saying such a thing. Judaism is a lot of different things to a lot of different people. To make a statement that someone just doesn’t understand it seems a bit arrogant on its face.
Susan,
I’m not certain of the EXACT cause but I believe it had something to do with someone making sure I knew what my place was. My anger has subsided but the suggestion made by the author of the e-mail still stings.
Be angry for a little while…and then let it go. Eleanor Roosevelt was right when she counselled that “no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Chazak v’amatz — Be strong and of good courage.
Thanks for giving me permission to “be angry for a little while.” I was and then took your advice and “let it go.” I’m still working on being strong, though. 🙂