Anger Control Revisited
Question: In your column of Parshat Emor on "controlling anger", you offered a perspective of a Heavenly source for one's suffering. But what is the purpose of the suffering one feels when insulted?
Answer: Addressing a large Jerusalem audience at a recent event dedicated to interpersonal relationships organized by the Derech Institute of Ohr Somayach, guest speaker Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, rabbi of Agudath Israel of Madison in Brooklyn, mentioned that he had printed a card for his congregants with a message on how to deal with your question.
When something is said which disturbs or embarrasses you, immediately praise G-d and say, with great joy, a brief prayer taken from the Sefer Erech Appayim. The gist of this prayer is a thanks to G-d for granting you the opportunity to atone for your sins with such an insignificant suffering rather than more serious ones which may have been your lot.
