גאוה

Some hallmarks of baalei gy've [translated somewhat poorly as arrogance or haughtiness]. For examples of humility - flip it around.

1] He always has to be the best.

2] He has to impress others. He feels it necessary to toot his own horn and publicize his MANY accomplishments.

3] He CAN'T be wrong or at fault.

4] He has to show that he knows it all.

5] He gets very hurt when people don't recognize his greatness.

6] He doesn't answer emails or phone calls unless there is something in it for him. Otherwise he is MUCH too important to take the time to answer.

7] He likes saying things like "I'm too busy" when asked to help.

8] He complains a lot. The service is too slow and the food is too cold.

9] He finds himself superior in some way to every person he meets.

10] When he goes to a wedding, he doesn't dance much- beneath his dignity.

11] His wife is his slave and woe unto her if she doesn't follow his wishes.

12] Poor people are tremendous annoyances. He makes sure they feel that way.

13] He doesn't pay much attention to kids - beneath his dignity.

14] He doesn't like listening to the Rabbi's speech. The Rabbi has soooo much more to learn from him than he has to learn from the Rabbi.

15] He smokes in public or talks in shul or does other things to bother those around him but he doesn't notice or care - he is too involved with himself and his own needs.

Gy'veh is according to some commentators [such as the Smag] a biblical prohibition. It is called an abomination to G-d.

It is also quite abominable to me.

If I notice it in so many people I must have some of my own.

May I do tshuva before the High Holies!

Love and blessings! :-)