Conviction and Humility in One Debate
Opposing machine-made matzah, the Maharshak held firm, yet corrected his own position when he learned the machines had been described to him wrongly.
When machines for baking matzah appeared in his day, the Maharshak argued that matzah made this way did not properly fulfil the mitzvah, and he feared that it might even become chametz. His responsa on the subject were gathered in the sefer Modaah LeBeis Yisrael. Rav Yosef Shaul Nathanson replied sharply, arguing that machine matzah was better in every way, and the question divided the Jews of Galicia. What stands out is the honesty with which Rav Shlomo conducted the debate. While studying the matter, he found that the machines had been described to him inaccurately, and he changed his position to reflect the real details. Conviction and humility lived side by side in him.
Source: Modaah LeBeis Yisrael (Breslau 1859)
Choose one mitzvah this week that you usually delegate, hurry through or let run on autopilot, such as preparing for Shabbos, giving tzedakah, or checking on a lonely neighbor. Do it with your own hands and with a clear intention. And if someone shows you that you were wrong about something you strongly believed, take a moment to look at the facts again. Changing your mind for the sake of truth is a sign of strength, not weakness.