Based on a phone conversation I recently had:
Him: If you can't reach me by phone, then text me.
Me: I have an old fashioned phone that doesn't have texting. I don't think I have sent a text in my life.
Him: OK. If you need to reach me then text me.
I knew a boy who almost committed suicide. The main problem was that his parents were emotionally deaf and didn't hear him. They were so stuck in their own little world that they couldn't enter his. Thank G-d he didn't kill himself in the end. But the two people who were supposed to be there for him and provide him with love, support, understanding and comfort were totally unavailable. He would literally SCREAM his needs but they couldn't hear. They were [emotionally] deaf.
The Mishna says that if the parents are deaf then the child cannot be branded a בן סורר ומורה b/c the pasuk says איננו שומע בקולנו - He isn't listening to our voice. So if they are deaf and can't listen then he is off the hook.
The problem is that the pasuk refers to the SON. The SON isn't listening. So why if the PARENTS are deaf is the son not qualified for בן סורר ומורה status?
Mori Vi-rabi the Tolner Rebbe Shlita explained that if the parents can't hear [b/c they are deaf] then you can't expect the son to hear.
Mussar Haskel: Listen when other people talk. Notice their tone and body language and countless other non-verbal signals as well. In our generation it is hard to find people with the time and patience and understanding and care to truly sit and listen [unless they are paid professionals. Those we have in large numbers]. Be that person for others.
