Chametz, which rises, represents the ego, one’s pride. Particularly, arrogance, the negative pride (pride in the right context is a good thing). As we prepare for Pesach, we get rid of all chametz – even the crumbs. Even the smallest arrogance can hinder your relationships with others and even with yourself.

Arrogance is about having or showing an insulting attitude because you believe that you are better, smarter, or more important than others. Showing off your ‘superiority’ – real or imagined – to overpower someone else.

And it puts people off. People just don’t like arrogant people; they just aren’t comfortable around arrogant people.

But worse, it makes you unrealistic about who you are. You delude yourself. And since you think (most likely erroneously) that you are better than everyone else, you won’t listen to their perspectives or insights – and you miss out on many valuable learning opportunities.

• Work to get rid of every crumb, every vestige of arrogance.
• Be honest about who you are: You are a human born to make mistakes – everyone knows that you do make mistakes.
• Don’t take yourself so seriously. Laugh at yourself.
• Acknowledge your limitations and weaknesses. Admit your mistakes.
• Take pride in being a ‘ever growing human’.
• Be kind to yourself.