Comments on: Out Of The Mailbag – To YW Editor (Hakoras Hatov?)

By: Proud KAJ-WH TIDE Guy

Proud KAJ-WH TIDE Guy — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:07:45 +0000

People should not expect or demand these extra gifts and tips in order to do their jobs. They know what the salary is and what the job requirements are when they apply.However,it IS nice to make everyone you know and deal with feel appreciated by giving a little something special every once in awhile,not only on Chanuko. A little boost to someone’s self-esteem is always a good thing,and chessed.

By: tomim tihye

tomim tihye — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:32:30 +0000

#18:
We (speaking from a Yeshivish block in Flatbush) give $5 per child to every bus driver who drives one way (to or from).
I think I saw the post man twice in the past five years, and he changed his face the second time. Anyway, he’s a Federal employee.

By: balabusta

balabusta — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:17:15 +0000

I always try to give something extra to the teachers of my children and have never heard from any of them that they feel like “shnorers” at all….I got the feeling that they liked being appreciated (like the rest of the human race) and I do appreciate their efforts. I’m sure they can use the bonus $$$, even if it’s a small amount and they really deserve much more.

That being said….can anyone post what is an average normal amount to give to your bus driver, post man, etc…

Thanks.

By: moishepupek

moishepupek — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:17:13 +0000

#12 Hey fester
Thinkabout what you are saying “rabeim are our most respected profesionals” you think giving 10 dollars makes them shnorreers . Wake up and smell
the coffee they are so underpaid to begin with , you dont know what can be done ! Try this on for size get out there and raise money and give your childs rebbe a huge chunk .Its unfortunate that they have to depend on the small matanos given to them chanakah and purim.

By: mrmoose

mrmoose — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:32:38 +0000

I actually was once met sanitation worker whose route was Boro Park. I asked him how he did on the holidays there and he said very well. He also liked the fact that since large frum families generated so much trash he filled his truck faster then in other nieghborhoods

By: Sefashkenaz

Sefashkenaz — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:27:19 +0000

BYgirl, you are right that giving presents this time of year is chukas hagoyim, but giving chanukah gelt is in fact a Jewish concept.

By: musicoutlet

musicoutlet — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 03:48:19 +0000

Why should someone who is doing their job get a tip? The tipping business is the dumbest thing.

Tips should be left for people who go above and beyond their duty and people who make very little at their job- not people who are getting paid great money for doing what they are supposed to be doing!

I guarantee you that if you treat these workers or people in general with respect and not treat them like garbage it will mean more to them than money and you will also make a bigger kiddush hashem.

When was the last time you said the two hardest words in society to people who pick up your garbage or deliver your mail?

(THANK YOU.)

By: BYgirl

BYgirl — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:23:42 +0000

#1, Fievel, there is Yiddishe concept called Hakaras Hatov. You could also ask, why say thank you to the mailman if he is just doing his job? It is his job and he is getting paid but I’m sure you will agree that it is the right think to do. I do agree with you about “why Chanuka time”? Chanuka has become a time for giving presents due to the Christian Holiday that comes around this time of year. I believe that it is far from the Torah way, to give presents Chanuka time or even make it a time for giving presents. I think that it is pretty obvious, as I stated above, why presents are given this time of year. Not only does it have nothing to do with Yiddeshkeit but in my humble opinion is Chukas Hagoyim.

By: fester

fester — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:01:04 +0000

I think we should stop the practice of giving rebbeim chanuks money. It makes them seem as if they are Shnorrors while in essence they should be considered our most respected “profesionals”. by every parent giving ten dollars or so really makes them feel foolish! What should be done i don’t know but certainly not this way.

By: Sefashkenaz

Sefashkenaz — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:56:02 +0000

accountant101, as an assistant teacher, as well, I can relate to the fact that sometimes we are under-appreciated. While teachers’ assistants generally do not work out of school hours, we generally do work very hard when we are there. For any of you that have children in the younger grades, realize that your child’s assistant does works very hard, not only for the teacher herself, but for the students. Assistants are almost like the “big sisters” of their students. They comfort a child when she is crying, can’t figure out her math example, works one on with the students, interacts with them during recess, and gives them the personal touch that sometimes the main teacher can not provide during class time.
accountant101, I would not say that “we do more work than the teacher,” but I am sure you work very hard. So, kol hakavod to all your efforts; I am sure you are having a great impact on your students. Hashem sees every smile you give your studnets and the patience you retain when dealing with them.
Keep up your great work!
P.S.: My school PTA collects chanukah gelt from the students for the teachers and I have received a gift as well. Additionally, One mother even sent me and the other teachers a gift from Oh Nuts.
A Freilichin Chanukah!