Parshas Vayishlach

"What's the big deal !! He needed his pen, but I was too lazy to fish
it out of my briefcase, so I told him that I left it at my house."
"I feel bad that I didn't return his pen as soon as I finished using
it. He had to come ask me for it. I won't let that happen again."

Yaacov felt he was unworthy of all the good he received from G-d
because "maybe he sinned". (Rashi on Biraishis 32:12)

Are you sensitive to the significance of G-d's commandments? Do you
mistakenly think that your actions are insignificant in the eyes of G-d?

Have a great Shabbos !!

Rabbi Chaim Flom

Dear Rabbi Flom,
Isn't the opposite of "G-d's commandments being significant" "G-d's commandments being not significant"?? You seemed to imply "people's actions being insignificant" is the opposite?
Thanks.
Lynn

Dear Lynn,
It's funny that you asked that question. Originally, instead of writing 2 sentences, I was going to use the word "or", which certainly would have evoked your question.
Anyhow, the answer is, that saying my actions aren't significant IS the same thing as saying Mitzvos aren't significant.ie If G-d commands us to eat Kosher, but if I eat treif that is okay anyhow, what exactly was the point of G-d's commandment???
Take care. Good Shabbos.
Rabbi Flom

Dear Rabbi Flom,
In your anecdote, obviously his lie was a sin. Was the other fellow's "not returning the friend's pen before being asked" also a sin?
Thanks.
Mark

Dear Mark,
Thanks for the question.
I am not sure if the term sin is necessarily correct, (about a person who waits to be asked to return something), but it is certainly a lack in middos. (If the owner had explicitly said to return it immediately after use, it is more likely to be a sin of sorts.)
Take care.
Rabbi Flom