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How to Avoid Becoming Bitter

A Taste of Text—Vayeishev

By Chana Weisberg

Class Handouts:

Vayeishev

Topics: Pain, Suffering & Tragedy, Joseph, Vayeishev

Anger and self-pity rob us of our serenity. Bitterness and victimization blind us from seeing another’s pain.

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	By Chana Weisberg More articles... \|
	Chana Weisberg is a writer, editor and lecturer. She authored several books, including her latest, Tending the Garden: The Unique Gifts of the Jewish Woman. She has served as the dean of several women’s educational institutes, and lectures internationally on issues relating to women, faith, relationships and the Jewish soul.

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:

Posted: Dec 16, 2011

Did I hear you say that Joseph eventually married Potipher's daughter?

Posted By Richard McCaw, Ft.lauderdale, Fl. U.S.A.

Posted: Dec 15, 2011

Self Pity

I had a horrible, nightmarish summer. I'd describe it in technicolor detail, but I'm sure I'd come off as bitter and full of self pity. During this time I couldn't help but notice all the beautiful and sweet things that came my way every single day and I can't tell you how much joy and solace they brought me. With the help of these things I found the strength to pull myself out of that nightmare. Now that I'm living in a brand new situation, again the temptation to self pity beckons, and again, I won' give in. These circumstances really are growth opportunities and growth opportunities are usually painful, at leas until they have been recognized and grappled with.

I have always reached out to people in spite of my own pain, but never made viceroy of Egypt. LOL! Actually, that can be pretty thankless, but every once in awhile, when you make someone smile, it's all worth it.

Posted By annonymous , ottawa, canada

Posted: Dec 11, 2011

Bitterness in every day life.

Dear Chana:
As I've observed all too often a few not many who are bitter about their role in life; in one I know who see's it as Oh Poor Pitiful Me why is my life this way. He like so many others see's the problem as it were some one else's fault they never see them selves as the reason for the mess that they are in.
All too often they can't take the responsibility for their own actions, it's more of this that causes them to bitter with the world; plus the fact that they have no real tangible faith in Ha Shem.
I've seen Rabbi's who were truly poor and or they've lost a loved one; yet in all of that they aren't bitter because of their faith in Ha Shem.
Shalom, Shalom, Yosef

Posted By Joseph A. Cleary, Sand Springs,, Oklahoma

Posted: Dec 11, 2011

Shlomoh

I believe Shlomoh was bitter towards the end of his life as he realized his mistakes

Posted By sandro, Richmond, BC