# Way 40: Everyone Has a Backstory — Why We Must Judge Favorably

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642/way-40-everyone-has-a-backstory-why-we-must-judge-favorably
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642/way-40-everyone-has-a-backstory-why-we-must-judge-favorably.md
Podcast: [Jewish Inspiration Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe](https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642)
Published: 2026-05-12T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/43568486
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.transistor.fm/43568486/8d624c79.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642/episodes/way-40-everyone-has-a-backstory-why-we-must-judge-favorably
Duration seconds: 604

## Resource

In episode forty of the 48 Ways series during the Omer, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches Umachriyo L’Kaf Zechut — “judge others favorably” or tipping the scale toward merit. This means judging the entire person and the full context, not a single action or moment. We rarely see the complete backstory, struggles, or reasons behind someone’s behavior, so we must give the benefit of the doubt. Rabbi Wolbe shares a powerful story of a modest wedding that appeared extravagant, leading the community to judge the father harshly — until they learned the caterer was repaying a debt of gratitude for the man’s father saving his own father’s life during the Holocaust. The lesson: never judge on partial information. Everyone has a story, and assuming the best protects us from sin and builds better relationships. Key teachings include: be concerned for others as much as yourself; help carry burdens rather than add to them; and remember that judging favorably is an active choice and responsibility. The Mishnah guides us to see the good in every person and situation, fostering empathy, unity, and spiritual growth. _____________ Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on June 17, 2022, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on March 15, 2023 The 49 days we count between Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot are an exciting time for powerful and impactful change. The Mishna (Avot 6:6) teaches us 48 masterful tools and ways to maximize life and get the most out of each day. _____________ Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7 ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah…

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