Be Kind
You should be very careful [in the way you treat] orphans and widows to speak only kindly to them, to treat them respectfully, not to hurt them even with words, because their souls are very depressed and their spirits are low, even if they are wealthy. Even [regarding] the widow and the orphans of a king, we are warned [in the Torah], for it is said: "Do not mistreat a widow or an orphan." A covenant was made [with widows and orphans] by Him Whose Word called the world into being, that whenever they cry because of an injustice that was done to them, their [cries] will be answered, for it is said: "For if he cries out to Me I will hear his cry." This applies only where someone hurts them for his own benefit. But if a teacher afflicts them in order to teach them Torah or a trade, or to lead them on a straight path, that is permitted. Nevertheless, [the teacher] should be careful to guide them gently and with great compassion, for it is said: "For G-D will plead their cause." [In all of these laws, it makes no difference] whether he is an orphan from his father or an orphan from his mother. And for how long are they considered orphans in this regard? Until they are able to take care of their needs by themselves as all other adults. (KSA 29:19)
