By Rabbi Shmuel Gluck

The Medrash in this Parsha (84/13) says that when Yaakov says: Lech No R’eih Es Shelom Achecho, Nicho. The Medrash says, Yaakov is telling Yoseph “go and see how your brothers are doing”. Nicho, that’s understandable; but the Medrash continues and asks, Elo Ma Es Shelom Hatzon? Why is he asking Yoseph to find out how the sheep are doing?

Hodo Omar, the Medrash concluded, She’o’dom Tzorich Lishol Bishlom Dovor She’Yeish Bo Ha’no’o Mi’me’nu. People are expected to ask about the welfare of anything of which they can have an advantage.

The lesson is clear. People must be appreciative, and show that appreciation, even to their sheep, even though those sheep don’t intend to help them. However, I don’t want to discuss sheep. I want to discuss people.

People certainly must be appreciative, and show that appreciation to everyone, even to those who are younger, and are accountable to them, such as their children and students.

People certainly must be appreciative, and show that appreciation to everyone, even to those who are younger, and are accountable to them, such as their children and students. People must show appreciation, even if the one who helped them, did it by mistake, or without their knowledge. S/he still deserves some form of “honorable mention”. People are supposed to learn from Hashem. In various places Hashem thanks the Avos, Moshe Rabbeinu, and others for what they’ve done for Klal Yisroel.

The world would be a better place if more people said “good morning”, “thank you” and “I’m sorry”. Become a part of the small, but growing, number of people committed to being sensitive to others. 

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