Finding Peace at Home: Rabbi Aryeh Schechter's Timeless Advice

"Two years ago, my mother-in-law turned my wife against me in a terrible way. Her instigation reached unimaginable levels, and of course, I was very angry at her," shares a young man, adding that his mother-in-law insisted in her anger that she would continue to turn his wife against him until they both went to Rabbi Aryeh Schechter, of blessed memory.

The couple went to Rabbi Schechter just days before Yom Kippur. The rabbi patiently listened to both of their claims, and then, to the husband's great surprise, he turned to him and said: "Go now, buy a beautiful and high-quality set of bedding, and send it to your mother-in-law on the eve of Yom Kippur, with a warm note."

"It was very hard for me. Hard? No, it seemed impossible. She hurt me so much and destroyed my peace at home, and I'm supposed to send her gifts?!" the husband shares with pain. But Rabbi Schechter continued and told him: "It's the eve of Yom Kippur now. We have also angered the Creator, and as you know, in heaven, they deal with a person measure for measure. If you work on your character traits now and do as I advise, I am sure that your fate will be decreed for the better."

"I listened to Rabbi Schechter's words, and that's what I did. It was very hard, but I bit my lip and persevered. I sent a gift to someone who harmed me so much...

"Less than a week later, my mother-in-law called and sincerely asked for forgiveness. After her lengthy and heartfelt apology, she added that while it doesn’t justify her behavior, I should know that she had gone through difficult troubles, and that’s why she became a bitter and irritable woman, unable to withstand the test. Since then, blessed be Hashem, we have been living in peace and tranquility."

Rabbi Aryeh Schechter, of blessed memory (who passed away five years ago, on the 14th of Kislev, 5780) was a prominent figure in the repentance movement. For 50 years, he lectured on Jewish topics and countless individuals returned to the Creator thanks to his inspiring lectures, with their spiritual lives owing much to him.