Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about Rav Yosef, one of the most respected sages of the Talmud, who describes himself as more sensitive than typical. This has halachic implications for what types of nuisances and pollution his neighbors must remove. In a different Gemara (Succah 29a), Rav Yosef’s sensitivity also has implications on when he is exempted from the mitzvah of Succah, with a lower threshold of tolerance for discomfort than others. There are a few other Amoras who also describe themselves as unusually sensitive, once again with actual halachic consequences, such as Rav Nachman and Rav Chisda (Yoma 30a).

I find this psychologically fascinating. There is a complete absence of cynicism such as, “It’s all in your head”, or “get over it”, instead there is total acceptance of the subjective internal state and feelings. I think it is sadly and often the stance we modern westernized people take to subjective phenomena that cannot be scientifically measured or understood. We say, “It’s not real - buckle down and stop ,akong excuses.” In ancient times, despite the generally harsher conditions, there seemed to be far greater respect for natural differences. I believe industrialization has had a negative impact on allowing for the natural tendencies of individuals. The pace of work required to fit into a model of production and labor for a larger company instead of a simpler economy made people adapt and betray their own simpler needs and pace of life. 

Even in Talmudic times, we find the bustling metropolis of Mechoza treated people differently and with less respect. (See Gittin 6a “The people of Mechoza are constantly in motion”. Literally, Mechoza translates in Aramaic as “The City”. In Mechoza there was an indulged wealthy class who didn’t work (Pesachim 50b), and a worker class who were accustomed to unusually long hours of labor (Bava Metxia 76a). In addition, Mechoza was more regimented with regular store hours never open at night (Bava Basra 29b), with other towns operating on a more casual schedule. Imagine some small, backwoods town where the general store owner is also the sheriff and the pharmacist.  He opens his store when someone knocks on the door.

Regardless, the respect for individual variances and personal sensitivities displayed by the sages is a refreshing and important reminder for parents and educators. To this point, Dr Elaine Aron began researching traits of sensitivity in 1991.  She called it HSP, for Highly Sensitive Persons, and authored a number of research publications and self-help books. There are a number of co-occurring traits that cluster in regard to persons with HSP, such as processing and perceiving on a deep level, but also then being easily overwhelmed by too much information or emotions. HSP is not an excuse for poor behavior, as all of us are responsible to manage the interplay of our emotions and our behavior. However, it is important to respect that what is easy for one person might be challenging to another. One can go to this website to a self-test to determine if you are an HSP: http://hsperson.com/test/

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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