BS"D
Jewish Quotes
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Througout history the Jews have been called "the People of the
Book". However, it is one work that kept us "alive" through time.
This is of course our beautiful Torah. Included in this section
are quotes from Torah as well as other relevant sources.
To delve deeper into the meaning of the quotes or clarify them, a
Rabbi or Scholar should be consulted.
This text is brought to you by the United Jewish Network. (sm)
ADVICE
------
Do not take drugs. -(Pesahim 113a)
Do not take drugs because they will become habitual, your heart will
request them and you will also waste money. Even as medicine, don't
use drugs if another medicine is possible.
Rabbi Samuel ben Meir (12th century comentator) explaining Pesahim 113a
Be pliable like a reed, not rigid like a ceder.
- Eliezer Ben Simon: Taanit 20b
ANGELS
------
One angel does not perform two missions, nor is one mission performed
by two angels.
-(Genisis Rabbah 50.2)
From each utterance of the Holy One an angel is born.
- Jonathan ben Elazar (Talmud: Hagiga 14a)
Every one entrusted with a mission is an angel...All forces that reside
in the body are angels.
- Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed, 1900, 2.6
The Angel of Death is all eyes.
- (Talmud: Avodah Zarah 20b)
Said the Tanzer: "We read in Genesis 32:25: `And there wrestled a man
with Jacob until the breaking of the day.' Rashi makes the comment:
`It was the Protecting Angel of Esau.' We also read in Genesis 37:15:
`And a certain man found Joseph . . . wandering in the field.' On
this text Rashi makes the comment: `It was the Angel Gabriel.' What
led Rashi, we may ask, to make these two differing comments? The
answer doubtless is this: the first angel found time to wrestle with
Jacob the entire night, but when he was asked to bless his adversary,
he pleaded lack of time. Only the Protecting-Angel of Esau would act
in this fashion. The second angel, however, found the time needed to
aid the wandering youth, Joseph. This could have only been the Angel
Gabriel."
-(Tanzer Hasidut, S. Nissanzohn, Warsaw, 1938, p.244)
ANGER
-----
Anger kills the foolish man.
-(Bible, Job 5:2)
Loss of temper leads to hell.
- Jonathan ben Elazar. (Talmud: Nedarim 22a)
Getting angry is like worshipping idols.
-(Midrash LeOlam, ch 15)
Anger deprives the sage of his wisdom, a prophet of his vision.
- (Simeon ben Lakish. Talmud: Pesahim 66b)
Anger in the household is like a worm among the sesame seeds.
-(Sotah 3)
The Rozdoler Rabbi said: "When I feel angry against a person, I delay
the expression of my anger. I say to myself: `What will I lose if I
postpone my anger?'"
-(Niflaot Ha-Rabbi, M.M. Walden, pg. 94)
ANIMALS
-------
Judah be Tema said, be strong as the leopard, and light as the eagle, and
fleet as the hart and mighty as the lion to do the will of thy Father Who is
in Heaven.
- Pirkei Avoth 5:20
Rabbi Yehudah said in the name of the Rav: `One ought not eat before
feeding one's animal,' for Scripture says first, `And I will give
grass in thy feilds for cattle' - and then it says, `and thou shalt
eat and be satisfied.'
- (Talmud: Berakhot 40a)
A person must not aquire a domestic animal or bird unless he has
arranged for it to have suitable food.
-Talmud Yerushalmi: Yevamot 14d
One should not adopt an animal, beast or bird, unless he has prepared
food for it in advance.
-Talmud Yerushalmi: Ketuboth ch. 4
A righteous man regards the soul of his (life) beast.
- (Bible, Proverbs 12:10)
Prevention of suffering of animals is biblical law, and therefore
takes precedence of all rabbinical laws (e.g. rabbinical laws
relating to the Sabbath may be broken in order to prevent an animal
from suffering.)
- Talmud: Shabbat 128b
Had the Torah not been given to us, we would have learned modesty from
cats, honest toil from ants, chastity from doves and gallantry from cocks.
- (Jonathan ben Nappaha. Talmud: Erubin 100b)
If you throw a bone to a dog, he will lick even the dust on your feet.
- Zohar
Gazelles are the animals most loved by G-d . . . because a gazelle
harms no one, and never disturbs the peace.
- Midrash: Midrash Samuel 9
Said the Bratzlaver: "Both a man and an animal receive the
necessaries for their existence. The difference, however, lies in
this: that a man is able to ask G-d to meet his needs. Be therefore a
man! Ask G-d for everything you need!"
-(Histapkhuth Ha-Nefesh, R. Nachman Bratzlaver, pg. 4b)
APPEARNCE ****
---------
A Scholar with one spot on his clothes deserves the worst.
AUTHORITY
---------
Be careful with the ruling power, for they bring no man near to them
except for their own interests: they seem to be friends in time of
their own advantage, and they do not stand with a man in the hour of
his need.
- Pirkei Avoth 2:3
BACHELOR ****
--------
When a man reaches 20 and is still not married G-d says "let him rot."
BEAUTY
------
Rabbi Elaezar fell ill, and Rabbi Johanan went to visit him.
Rabbi Eleazar was lying in a dark room, but Rabbi Johanan bared his
arm, and such was the beauty of Rabbi Johanan that the room became
full of light.
Rabbi Johanan then noticed that Rabbi Eleazar was weeping.
`Why do you weep?' he asked. `Is it because you feel that you
have not aquired enough knowledge of the Torah in your span of life?
Have we not learnt, "Whether a man acheives much or little, it is all
one, as long as he directs his heart to G-d"?'
Said Rabbi Eleazar, `No; I am weeping because of your beauty,
which one day must rot in the earth.'
`Ah,' said Rabbi Johanan, `for that you are quite right to weep.'
So they sat down and wept together.
- Talmud: Berakhot 5b
BIRTH ***
-----
Better is the day of thy death, than thy birth.
BOASTERS
--------
A man's pride brings him down. (Proverbs 29:23)
Be not like the almond tree for it blooms before all trees and produces
it's fruit after them.
- (The book of Ahikar - 5th century B.C.E.)
BOOKS ***
-----
Don't judge a book by it's cover.
BUSINESS
--------
You shall not deal falsley, nor lie to one another.
- (Leviticus 19:11)
The wages of him that is hired shall not remain with you all night until
morning.
- (Levicus 19:13)
If you sell anything to your neighbor or buy anything from your
neighbor, you shall not defraud one another.
- (Leviticus 25:14)
CAUTION
-------
Do not take drugs. (Pesahim 113a)
It is forbidden to live in a city in which there is no physician.
- (Jerusalem Talmud: Kiddushin 66d)
Flattery leads to vulgarity; the flatterer is despised.
- (Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav)
More people die from overeating than from hunger.
- (Shabbat 33)
CHARACTER
---------
In this world, one who is a dog can become a lion, and one who is
a lion can become a dog.
- (Midrash: Ruth Rabbah 3:2)
If a peasant becomes king, he will not take his basket off his
shoulders.
- (Megilah 7b)
Like garden, like gardener.
- Talmud J.:Sanhedrin 2:6
As the breath of the potter, so is the shape of the vessel.
- Zohar
There are seven characterisitics of an uncultured person, and
seven of a wise man. A wise man does not speak before one who is
superior to him in wisdom; (and) he does not break in upon the
words of his fellow; (and) he is not hasty to answer; he
questions according to the subject matter, and makes answer to
the point; (and) he speaks about the first thing first, and the
last thing last; (and regarding what he has not heard he says, 'I
do not undersatand it'; and he admits the truth. And the reverse
of [all] these is characteristic of an uncultured man.
- Pirkei Avot 5:7
A thin bearded person is shrewd and a thick bearded person is a
fool . . . If the beard of a man is divided, the whole world will
not overrule him [i.e. he is stubborn].
- (Sanhedrin 100b)
R. Abba remarked, "People say, 'A myrtle, even if it stands among
reeds, is still a myrle, and is identified as such.'" [The
context here is that, even if Israel has sinned, it is still
called by the honorable name of Israel.]
- Sanhedrin 44a
G-d decides what shall befall a man, but not whether he shall be
righteous or wicked.
- (Talmud: Niddah 16b)
Character is tested through three things: business, wine and
conversation.
- Avot de Rabbi Nathan, ch. 31
Remember the virtues you lack and the faults you have; forget the
good you did and the wrong you received.
- Orhot Tzadikim ("Ways of the Saints")
You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.
- (Levicus 19:16)
The Ladier Rabbi said: "A man should so master his nature that he
can habituate himself to both the positive and negative aspects in
every character trait. For example, he should be both a conservative
and a progressive; a man without fear and a man of peace; a man of
strong personality, and yet a meek one."
-(Ha-Rav Mi-Ladi, M. Teitelbaum, Warsaw, 1914, p.49)
Said the Hafetz Hayyim: "Every man enters this world with a certain
endowment. It behooves him to make use of his endowment, for he will
be held accountable regarding it."
-(Mikhtevei ha-Rav Hafetz Hayyim, Aryeh Leib Pupko, Warsaw, 1937, p.51)
Rabbi Uri used to say:"I am not afraid that I will be judged for not
being like the Patriarch Abraham. I am not Abraham and can never be.
What I fear is that I will be judged for not being all that I could
be."
-(Imre Kadosh, R. Margulies, publisher, Lwow. p.9)
Said the Hafetz Hayyim: "In the Song of Songs we read `If she be a
wall, we will build upon her a turret of silver . . . I am a wall . .
. then I was in his eyes as one who found peace.' (8:9) Under all
circumstances it behooves us to remain firm and strong, for upon firm
and strong qualities of character, tall turrets of aceivement can be
built."
-(Pupko, p. 114)
CHARITY
-------
Tzedakah (Charity) and Gemiluth Chasidim (acts of loving-kindness)
We must keep kavod and bushah in mind when studying and practicing
Tzedakah.
Kavod - "honor, dignity, respect." The kavod due to G-d's creatures
is great - (Berachot 19a). We are to treat every person with
a sense of honor he or she deserves.
Bushah - "shame, humiliation, embarassment", the opposite of kavod.
We are similarly to avoid causing a sense of bushah in
another person.
Even a poor person who receives tzedakah must give from what he receives.
(Gittin 7b)
Give away a tenth, so that you may become wealthy. - (Shabbat 119a)
A person never becomes poor from giving tzedakah, nor does any harm come
from it, as the verse states "and the results of tzedakah will be
shalom [peace]." - (Mishna Torah, Hilchot Matanot Am'im 10:2)
One should give up to one-fifth of one's possesions - that is the
Mitzvah to an extraordinary degree. One tenth is an average percentage
and less is considered miserly. - (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 249:1)
A person should give pleasantly, joyously, with a good heart, showing
sympathy for the poor, sharing in his sense of pain and sorrow.
(Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 249 :3)
If a person convinces others to give, his reward is even greater than
when simply giving by himself. - (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 249:5)
One should not be arrogant when giving.- (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh
Deah 249:13)
Anyone who runs to do tzedakah will find the necessary funds....and the
proper recipients for his tzedakah work. - (Baba Batra 9b)
Tzedakah is the tree of life. - (Zohar, Leviticus 111)
CONJUGALITY ****
-----------
Man has a small organ; the more he feeds it the more it needs - and
vice versa.
- Talmud: Sukkah 52
Lust is pursued by foolish men because of the immediacy of its
delight . . . they ignore the suffering and wretchedness that follow
in its train.
- Ibn Gabriol
Lust and reason are enemies.
- Ibn Gabriol
Rav Kahana once went in and hid under Rav's bed to see how his
teacher conducted himself. He heard him chatting [with his wife] and
joking and doing what he required.
Said Rav Kahana, `It is as if the mouth of Father had never tasted
such food before!'
Said Rav, `Kahana, are you here? Go out, for it is not good
manners.'
Said he to him, `It is Torah, and I have to learn.'
- Talmud: Berakhot 62a
Rabbi Eliezer said, He who does not engage in the propogation of the
human race is like one who sheds blood.'
Rabbi Jacob said, `It is as if he diminished the Divine Image. For
the Torah says "...in the image of G-d He made man" [Genesis 9:6],
and then immediately afterwards comes "Be fruitful and multiply".'
Ben Azzai said, `It is as if he sheds blood, and as if he diminishes
the Divine Image.'
Ben Azzai himself, however, was not married.
They said to Ben Azzai,`Some preach well and act well, others act
well but do not preach well. You come into a different category: you
preach well, but do not act well.'
Said Ben Azzai, `What can I do? My soul is in love with the Torah.
Let the world be carried on by others.'
- Talmud: Yevamot 63b
The Onah [duty of regular intercourse with ones wife] mentioned in
the Torah [Exodus 21:10] is as follows:
people who do not need to work for a living - every day;
labourers - twice a week;
ass-drivers - once a week;
camel drivers - once every thirty days;
sailors - once every six months.
The words of Rabbi Eliezer.
- Mishnah: Ketuvot 5:6
CONTEMPLATION
-------------
Contemplate three things and you will not come into the power of
transgression; know what is above thee - an eye that sees, and a
hearing ear and all your deeds are written in a book.
- Pirkei Avoth 2:1
- Pirkei Avoth 3:1 ****
While I was musing, the fire was kindled.
(Bible: Psalms 39:4)
He who mediates over words of Torah, finds ever new meanings in them.
(Rashi, commentary to Cant. 5.15)
CONTENTMENT
-----------
Who is rich? He who rejoices with his portion.
- Ben Zoma, Mishna: Pirkei Avot 4:1
If a man is asked for a big item and he has it, it seems like a small item to
him; If a man is asked for a small item and he does not possess it, it seems
like a big item to him.
- Berakhot 33b
CONTRAST
--------
The Holy One created light out of darkness.
- Berekia. Leviticus Rabbah 31:8
There is no true good except it proceed from evil.
- Zohar, Exodus 184a
If there was no folly there would be no wisdom....White is known
and valued only by contrast to black....A man does not know what
sweet is untill he tastes bitter.
- Zohar, Leviticus 47b
CONTROVERSY
-----------
- Pirkei Avoth 5:17 ***
For three years there was a dispute between the Schools of Shamai
and of Hillel. Then a Heavenly voice proclaimed: "You are both correct."
-
EVIL
----
First learn evil, to shun it; then learn good, to do it.
- Bahya, Hobot HaLebabot, 1040, 5.5
All evils are negations.
- Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed 1190, 3.10
EVIL INCLINATION
----------------
Torah, prayer and the contemplation of death will help you in your
struggle against the Evil Inclination.
- Simeon ben Lakish, Talmud: Berakot 5a
A person's (evil) inclination gains strength against him day by day
and seeks to kill him . . . If G-d did not help him, man could not
prevail against it.
- Rabbi Shimon ben Levi, Talmud: Kiddushin 30b
G-d created the Evil Will, but He also created its antidote, the Torah.
- Talmud: Kiddushin 30b
He who obeys his inclination is like an idolater. "There shall be no
strange gods in thee" (Psalm 81:10) means, Make not the stranger in
you your ruler!
- Yannai, Jerusalem Talmud: Nedarim 9.1
The man makes a harness for his beast; all the more he should make
one for the beast within himself, his Evil Will.
- Hama ben Hanina, Jerusalem Talmud: Sanhedrin 10.1
The Evil Will hankers only for that which is forbidden.
- Jerusalem Talmud: Shabbat 14.3
The greater the man the greater his evil inclination.
- Abaye', Talmud: Sukka 52a
The Evil Will lures a man in this world, then testifies against him
in the world to come.
- Jonathan ben Elazar, Talmud: Sukka 52a
The Evil Urge attacks man daily with renewed vigor.
- Isaac Nappaha, Talmud: Sukka 52a
Without the Evil Inclination, no man would build a house, take a wife
beget a family and engage in work.
- Samuel ben Nahman, Genesis Rabbah 9.7
The Evil Urge begins like a guest and proceeds like the host.
- Isaac Nappaha, Genesis Rabbah 22.6
Israel complained: "If a potter leaves a pebble in the clay, and the
jar leaks, is not the potter responsible? Thou has left in us the
Evil Urge. Remove it and we will do thy will!" G-d replied, "This I
will do in time to come."
- Exodus Rabbah 46.4
FAMILY
------
Honor your Father and Mother.
- Exodus 20:12, Deut 5:16
Honor your Father and Mother, and include your oldest brother.
- Talmud: Ketuboth 103a
Rabbi Tarfon used to show honor for his mother by bending down to let
her step on him when she ascended or descended from her bed. One day
he boasted to his collegues in the academy about this. They said to
him `you have not yet reached half the honor due to a mother.'
Rabbi Joseph, when he heard his mother approaching, used to say,
`Let me rise up before the approaching Presence of G-d.'
- Talmud: Kiddushin 31b
Better is a dry morsel and quietness, than a house full of feasting,
with strife.
- Bible: Proverbs 17:1
House and riches are inherited from our fathers; and a prudent wife is from
the L-rd.
- Bible: Proverbs 19:14
He who does not engage in procreation is as if he committed murder.
- Talmud: Yevamot 63b
A father's love is for his children; but their love is for their
children.
- Talmud: Sotah 49a
A father should be careful to keep his son from lies and he
should always keep his word to his children.
- Talmud: Sukkah 46b
Anyone who does not teach his son a skill or profession may be
regarded as if he is teaching him to rob.
- Talmud: Kiddushin 29a
A man appreciates the love of his grandchildren more than the love of
his own children.
- Zohar
FOOD
----
Thou shalt not seeth a kid in it's mothers milk.
- Bible: Exodus 23:19, 34.26, Deuteronomy 14:21
What dies of itself or is torn of beasts, ye shall not eat.
Eat neither fat nor blood.
- Bible: Levitcus 3:17, 7:23
Whatever parts the hoof, is wholly cloven-footed, and chews the cud,
among the beasts, that ye may eat.
- Bible: Levitcus 11:3
Whatever has fins and scales in waters, . . . ye may eat.
- Bible: Leviticus 11.9
When barley is gone from the jar, strife comes knocking at the door.
- Proverb. q Papa, Talmud: Baba Metzia 59a
No scholar should live in a town where vegetables are unobtainable.
- Huna, Talmud: Erubin 55b
Food must not be treated disrespectfully.
- Talmud: Sefer Torah 3:11
Food should be appetizing as well as nourishing.
- Yoma 74
A physician restricts the diet of only those patients whom he expects
to recover. So G-d prescribed dietary laws for those who have a hope
for future life. Others may eat anything.
- Tahun ben Hanilai, Leviticus Rabbah 13.2
Who eats disagreeable food violates three prohibitions: he hurts his
health, wastes food and offers a benediction in vain.
- Akiba, Avot de Rabbi Nathan ch 26, ed Schecter 83
The dietary laws train us to master our appetites . . . and not to
consider . . . eating and drinking the end of man's existence.
- Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed, 1190, 3.35
More people die from overeating than from hunger.
-Shabbat 33
FOOLS
-----
Fools hate knowledge.
- Bible: Proverbs 1:22
The confidence of fools shall destroy them.
- Bible: Proverbs 1:32
A bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of fools.
- Bible: Proverbs 26:3
As a dog returns to his vomit, a fool repeats his folly.
- Bible: Proverbs 26:11
A hint to the wise, a fist to the fool.
- Midrash Mishle', to Proverbs 22:6
The world has been handed over to fools!
- Aha ben Jacob, Talmud: Sanhedrin 46b
A fool is not aware of his folly.
- Talmud: Shabbat 13b
The fool thinks that all are fools.
- Ecclesiastics Rabbah to Ecclesiastics 10.3
Fools are prisoners of death.
- Ibn Gabriol, Mibhar HaPeninim, c. 1050, #14
FREEDOM
-------
Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.
- Bible: Leviticus 25:10
"They are My servants" [Leviticus 22:55]- not servants' servants.
- Talmud: Baba Metzia 10a
Every virtuous man is free.
- Philo, Every Good Man is Free 1
The man alone that is free who has G-d for his leader.
- ibid., 3
FREE WILL
---------
I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse;
therefore choose life.
- Bible: Deuteronomy 30:19
All is forseen, yet man is endowed with free will.
- Akiba Mishna: Avot 3:15
The man is led the way he wishes to follow.
- Huna, Talmud: Makkot 10b
Every person is fit to be as righteous as Moses or as wicked as
Jeroboam, wise or foolishkind or cruel, . . .and may tend, of his own
free will, to whichever side he pleases.
- Maimonides, Yad: Teshuba, 1180, 5.2. See Guide 3.17
FRIENDS
-------
There are friend that one has to his own hurt; but there is a friend
that sticks closer than a brother.
- Bible: Proverbs 18:24
Let not a thousand friends seem too many in your eyes.
- Ibn Gabriol, Mibhar HaPeninim, c. 1050, #253
Were I to break off with friends who sin, I would be friendless.
- Ibn Gabriol
The meek is known in anger, the hero in war, and a friend in time of
need.
- Ibn Gabriol, Choice of Pearls
My friend is he who will tell me my faults in private.
- Ibn Gabriol, Choice of Pearls
There are three types of friends: those like food, without which you
can't live; those like medicine, which you need occasionally; and
those like an illness, which you never want.
- Ibn Gabriol
A man has three friends: his sons, his wealth, and his good deeds.
- Pirke de Rabbi Eliezer 34
GOD
---
Hear, O Israel, The Lord Is Our G-d, The Lord Is One.
- Deuteronomy 6
The Talmud (Pesachim 118a) calls Psalm 126 Hallel Hagadol, the Great
Hallel, because it points to G-d's most enduring accomplishment -
Notein Lechem L'chol Basar, the sustenance of every living thing.
GOOD
----
Do not withhold the good from them to whom it is due, when it is in
the power of thine hand to do it.
- Bible: Proverbs 3:27
Depart from evil and do good; seek peace, and persue it.
- Bible: Psalm 34:15
Happy is he who performs a good deed: for he may tip the scales for
himself and the world.
- Talmud: Kiddushin 40a
GREED
-----
Thou shalt not covet.
- Bible: Exodus 20:14
What you have is not yours, why want what you have not?
- Talmud: Derech Eretz 1:24
When the camel demanded horns, they cut off his ears.
- Proverb. q Rab, Talmud: Sanhedrin 106a
Who sets his eyes on what is not his, loses also what is his.
- Talmud: Sota 9a
To covet is to violate all Ten Commandments.
- Yakim. Pesikta Rabbati, ch 21
GREETING
--------
Meet everyone with a freindly greeting.
- Mathia ben Heresh. Mishna: Avot 4:15
If you greet someone only because you owe him money, you violate the
law against "usury of the word" [Deuteronomy 23:20]
- Simeon ben Yohai, Talmud: Baba Metzia 75b
He who does not return a greeting is called a robber.
- Huna. Talmud: Berakot 6b
On the Sabbath, the outgoing Temple watch would greet the incoming
watch: May He who put His Name on this house, put among you love,
brotherhood peace and freindship!
- Helbo. Talmud: Berakot 12a
HEALTH
------
Drink plenty of water with your meals.
- Talmud: Berakot 40a
Three, if drawn out, prolong life: praying, eating, easing.
- Judah ben Ezekiel, Talmud: Berakot 54b
Three things sap one's strength; Worry, travel and sin.
- Talmud: Gittin 70a
Too much sitting aggravates hemorrhoids; too much standing injures the
heart; too much walking hurts the eyes. Hence divide your time between
the three.
- Talmud: Ketubot 111b
It is forbidden to live in a city in which there is no physician.
- Jerusalem Talmud: Kiddushin 66d
Cold water for the eyes in the morning and hot water for the limbs at
night are better than all the salves in the world.
- Samuel, Talmud: Shabbat 108b
Up to fourty, food; after fourty, drink.
- Talmud: Shabbat 152a
The well-being of the soul can be obtained only after that of the
body has been secured.
- Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed, 1190, 3.27
HEART
-----
G-d gave Solomon wisdom . . . and largeness of the heart.
- Bible: Kings I 5.9
Keep your heart, for out of it are the issues of life.
- Bible: Proverbs 4:23
I will give them a heart to know Me.
- Bible: Jeremiah 24.7
The highest good is a good heart . . . the highest evil is an evil
heart.
- Elazar ben Arak, Mishna: Avot 2.9
A good Heart includes all other virtues.
- Johanan ben Zakkai, Mishna: Avot 2.9
It is the same whether a man offers much or little, provided his
heart is directed toward heaven.
- Mishna: Menahot 13.11
When the heart is narrow, the tongue is wide.
- Ibn Gabriol, Mibhar HaPenninim, c. 1050, #329
HOLIDAY
-------
This day is holy . . . .mourn not, nor weep.
-(Bible: Nehemiah 8:9)
Devote your festival half to yourself and half to G-d.
-(Joshua ben Hanania. Talmud: Pesahim 68b)
The Sabbath and holidays are the primary reason for Jewish endurance
and glory.
-(Judah Halevi, Cuzari,c. 1135, 3.10)
Festivals promote the good feeling that men should have to each other
in their social and political relations.
-(Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed, 1190, 3.43)
The Sabbaths are for rest and the festivals for joy, not for fasting
and weeping and crying.
-(Maimonides, Responsa, ed Freimann, #41, pg. 40)
Honor a festival with food, drink and clean clothes.
-(Mekilta, to Exodus 12.16)
Israel had no greater days of joy than Av Fifteenth and the Day of
Atonement, when Jerusalem's maidens danced in the vineyards, in
borrowed white dresses, so as not to embarrass those who had none of
their own.
-(Simeon ben Gamliell II, Mishna: Taanit 4.8)
HOLINESS
--------
Ye shall be holy men onto Me.
-(Bible: Exodus 22:30)
G-d, the Holy One, is sanctified through righteousness.
-(Bible: Isaiah 5:16)
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts.
-(Bible: Isaiah 6:3)
O G-d, Thy way is in holiness.
-(Bible: Psalms 77:14)
None can be called a saint before death, for none can be trusted to
win agains the Evil Urge till the end of life.
-(Midrash Tehillim 16.2)
Who follows the Rabbis' rulings is called a holy man.
-(Abaye', Talmud: Yebamot 20a)
If you sanctify yourself a little, you are sanctified much.
-(Talmud: Yoma 39a)
Only the holy man may use holy things.
-(Zohar: Genesis 167b)
When the Bible says "be holy," it means exactly the same as if it
said, "do My commandments."
-(Maimonides, Sefer HaMitzvot iv)
ISRAEL
------
Residence in Israel is equivalent to the observance of all the
biblical precepts.
-(Elazar ben Shammua, Sifre #80 to Deuteronomy 13:29)
Said the Alm-ghty: "A small group in the Land of Israel is dearer to
me than a full Sanhedrin outside the Land."
-(Yerushalmi:Sanhedrin 86)
Who walks four cubits in Israel is assured a place in the world to come.
-(Johanan, Talmud: Ketubot 111a)
A man or woman may compel the members of his or her family to move to
Israel, but none may be compelled to leave it.
-(Mishna: Ketubot13.11)
The Land of Israel is the holiest of lands.
-(Numbers Rabbah 7.8)
A sage who leaves Israel diminishes in worth.
-(Simeon ben Elazar, Avot de Rabbi Nathan, chapter 28)
Each Land has some unique property, but the Land of Israel is endowed
with all of these, lacking none.
-(Simeon bar Yohai, Sifre' #37 to Deuteronomy 11.10)
As long as food is available, even though prices are exorbitant, it
is forbidden to move from Israel to a foreign land.
-(Simeon bar Yohai, Talmud: Baba Batra 91a)
Reside in Israel, even among a majority of idolators, rather than
outside of Israel, even among a majority of Jews.
-(Tosefta: Avoda Zara 4.3)
Those who live outside Israel may be considered heathen.
-(Tosefta: Avoda Zara 4.5)
Abraham did not enter into a covenant with G-d till after he entered
the Holy Land.
-(Zohar: Genesis 79b)
For all the land that you see, to you will I give it, and your
descendants forever.
- (BIble: Genesis 13:15)
He will . . . assemble the dispersed Israel.
-(Bible: Isaiah 11.12)
The ransomed of the Lord shall return . . . with singing to Zion.
-(Bible: Isaiah 35.10)
For a small moment I have forsaken you, but with great compassion
will I gather you.
-(Bible: Isaiah 54.7)
Again I will build you . . . virgin of Israel.
-(Bible: Jeremiah 31.3)
He that scattered Israel wil gather and gaurd him as a shepherd his flock.
-(Bible: Jeremiah 31.9)
All nations shall call you happy, for ye shall be a delightsome land.
-(Bible: Malachim 3.12)
JEALOUSY
--------
Jealousy is as cruel as the grave.
-(Bible: Cant. 8.6)
The jealousy of scribes increases wisdom.
-(Proverb. q Dimi of Nehardea, Talmud Baba Batra: 21a)
Love without jealousy is not true love.
-(Zohar: Genesis 245a)
JERUSALEM
---------
Jerusalem: She shall be built
-(Bible: Isaiah 44.28)
Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth.
-(Bible: Zechariah 8.3)
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I remember thee not,
if I set not Jerusalem above my chiefest joy.
-(Bible: Psalms 137a.5f)
Jerusalem will become the metropolis the world.
-(Johanan, Exodus Rabbah 23.10)
All members of a household may be compelled to move to Jerusalem, but
not to leave it.
-(Mishna: Ketubot 13.11)
Ten measures of beauty came down to earth: nine were taken by
Jerusalem, and one by the rest of the earth.
-(Talmud: Kiddushin 49b)
JEWS
----
A Jew who sinned is still a Jew.
-(Abba ben Zabdai, Talmud: Sanhedrin 44a)
Surely this is . . . a wise and understanding people.
-(Bible: Deuteronomy 4.6)
The community of Israel is that which keeps "the covenant and the
kindness." [Deuteronomy 7.9]
-(Zohar, Genesis 47b)
Jews are characterized by modesty, mercy and benevolence.
-(Hiyya ben Abba, Deuteronomy Rabbah 3.4)
Whoever is merciful is certainly of the children of Abraham.
-(Shabetai ben Marinus, Talmud: Betza 32b)
Jews are first to feel universal disaster or joy.
-(Sieon ben Lakish. Lamentations Rabbah 2.3)
Israel promised "we shall do" before "we shall hear" [Exodus 24.7].
-(Hama ben Hanina. Talmud: Shabbat 88a)
The Torah was given to Israel because they are impetuous [and need
discipline].
- Meir, Talmud: Betza 25b)
Rash People, you still persist in your rashness!
-(Talmud: Shabbat 88a)
JUDGES
------
A judge should always visualize a sword suspended over him, and
Gehennna [Hell] gaping under him.
-(Jonathan ben Elazar. Talmud: Yebamot 109b)
A judge is a "talebearer" if after a case is concluded, he says, "I
was for acquittal but my colleagues were for conviction."
-(Talmud: Sanhedrin 31a)
A judge sins if he looks not for merits in the accused.
-(Zohar, Exodus 257a)
JUSTICE
-------
Wilt thou indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? . . .
. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do justly?
-(Bible: Genesis 18.23,25)
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
-(Bible: Jeremiah 12.1)
The prosperity of the wicked here is an index to the reward of the
righteous hereafter.
-(Elazar ben Pedat, Midrash Tehillim 37.3)
To explain the relative peace of the wicked and suffering of the
righteous is beyond us.
-(Yannai. Mishna: Avot 4.15)
Just balances, just weights . . . ye shall have.
-(Bible: Levitcus 19.36)
Justice, justice you shall persue.
-(Bible: Deuteronomy 16.20)
Seek justice and relieve the oppressed.
-(Bible: Isaiah 1.17)
Zion shall be redeemed with justice.
-(Isaiah: 1.27)
Woe to him who builds his house by . . . injustice, who uses his
neighbor's services without wages.
-(Bible: Jeremiah 22.13)
Let justice well up as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
-(Bible: Amos 5.24)
Happy are they that keep justice . . . at all times.
-(Bible: Psalms 106.3)
- pirkei avot , tanack ****
KINDNESS
--------
Let not kindness and truth forsake you.
-(Bible: Prov. 3.3)
The meed of charity is in it's measurement of kindness.
-(Elazar ben Pedat. Talmud: Sukkah 49b)
Loving kindness is a sin offereing for nations [Prov 14.34].
-(Nehunia ben HaKana. Talmud: Baba Batra 10b)
The Torah begins and ends with kindness: G-d clothing Adam and Eve,
and burying Moses [Genesis 3.21, Deuteronomy 34.6].
-(Simlai. Talmud: Sota 14a)
Charity is limited to the living, the poor and money; kindness
applies also to the dead, the rich and personal service.
-(Tosefta: Peah 4.19)
- pirk ***
KING
----
Judah's royal throne had six steps leading to the seat, which were to
remind the king as he ascended, of the six commandments for rulers:
not to multiply horses, wives and gold [Deut. 17.7f], and not to
wrest judgement, respect persons or accept bribes [Deut. 16.19].
Above the throne was a sign: Know before Whom you sit!
-(Huna. Esther Rabbah 1.2)
If a king says, I will uproot mountains, he will uproot them, and not
go back on his word.
-(Samuel. Talmud: Baba Batra 3b)
It is unseemly for a king to be false.
-(Talmud: Tamid 32a)
A king is like fire, necesarry when far, scorching when near.
-(Ibn Gabriol, Mibhar HaPeninim, c. 1050, #366)
A king who confiscates an offenders property is a robber.
-(Maimonides, Yad: Melachim 3.8)
If a king repeals a religious commandment, he is not obeyed.
-(Maimonides, Yad: Melakim 3.9)
Woe to the land whose king is a slave!
-(Pirke de Rabbi Eliezer, Ch. 24)
KNOWLEDGE
---------
He that increases knowledge increases sorrow.
-(Bible: Ecclesiatics 1.18)
None is poor but he who lacks knowlege.
-(Abaye'. Talmud: Nedarim 41a)
The prayer for knowledge is among the first Benedictions.
-(Ammi ben Nathan. Talmud: Berakot 33a)
No mercy for him who is without knowledge.
-(Ammi be Nathan. Talmud: Berakot 33a)
The avenues . . . to knowledge of the Torah are three: reason,
Scripture and tradition.
-(Bahya, Hobot HaLebabot, 1040, Introduction)
With true knowledge it is as if the Temple were built.
-(Elazar ben Pedat. Talmud: Sanhedrin 92a)
Knowlege leads to wealth.
-(Talmud: Sanhedrin 92a)
Without knowledge, how can there be discernment?
-(Judah HaNasi. Jerusalem Talmud: Berakot 5.2)
He is great who is not ashamed to admit he does not know.
-(Judah HaNasi. Jerusalem Talmud: Hagiga 1.8)
If you lack knowlege, what do you have? If you have knowledge, what do
you lack?
-(Proverb (Palestine). q Levi Ecclesiastics Rabbah to 7.23)
Only throug the disclosed can one reach the undisclosed.
-(Zohar, Genesis 154a)
One loves G-d only by dint of knowledge, and the degree of love
coressponds to the degree of knowledge.
-(Maimonides, Yad: Teshuba, 1180, 10.6)
The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the L-rd as the waters
cover the sea.
-(Bible: Isaiah 11.9)
Let us know, eagerly strive to know the L-rd.
-(Bible: Hosea 6.3)
The people know that G-d shall show strength.
-(Bible: Daniel 11.32)
Know before Whom you labor and by Whom you are employed!
-(Elazar ben Arak. Mishna: Avot 2.14)
G-d is great, beyond our knowledge.
-(Bible: Job 36.26)
Woe to them that see and know not what they see, that stand and know
not whereon they stand.
-(Jose ben Halafta. Talmud: Hagiga 12a)
Seven things are concealed: the day of death, the day of confort, the
depth of judgement, what's in another's heart, what may prove to be
profitable, when David's dynasty will be restored, and when tyranny
will end.
-(Talmud: Pesahim 54b)
LABOR
-----
In toil you shall eat . . . all the days of your life.
-(Bible: Genesis 3.17)
Six days you shall labor and do all your work.
-(Bible: Exodus 20.9, 23.22. Deuteronomy 5.13)
When you eat the labor of your hands, happy shall you be.
-(Bible: Psalms 128.2)
Only manual work can make you blessed [Deut. 2.7].
-(Jacob. Midrash Tehillim 23.3)
If you have no regular work, find something to do - perhaps in a
neglected yard or field.
-(Judah ben Bathyra. Avot de Rabbi Nathan, ch. 11)
Great is labor: it confers honor on the laborer.
-(Judah ben Ilai. Talmud: Nedarim 49b)
See how the Torah values labor: who steals and kills a sheep pays
fourfold; but for an ox, a work animal, fivefold.
-(Meir. Tosefta: Baba Kamma 7.10)
If need be, hire yourself out to flay carcasses in the market place,
and say not: "I am a preist, a great man, and this thing is
detestable to me."
-(Rab. Talmud: Pesahim 113)
Work is a splendid means of warming oneself up.
-(Sheshet. Talmud: Gittin 67b)
Labor enobles.
-(Simeon bar Yohai. Talmud: Nedarim 49b)
Only he who has labored before the Sabbath can eat on the Sabbath.
-(Talmud: Avodah Zara 3a)
Who works for a living is greater than he who fears G-d.
-(Ulla. Talmud: Berakot 8a)
A laborer may withdray from his job even in the middle of the day.
-(Rab. Talmud: Baba Kamma 116b)
It may be arranged for a waiter to eat after he serves; but
delicacies he may have at any time, to avoid tantalizing him.
-(Isaac ben Hanina. Talmud Ketubot 61a)
LIFE
----
All that a man has will he give for his life.
-(Bible: Job 2.4)
A living dog is better than a dead lion.
-(Bible: Ecclesiastics 9.4)
Saving a life supersedes the Sabbath.
-(Eleazar ben Azariah. Mekilta to Exodus 31.13)
Who closes a patient's eye before he expires is a murderer.
-(Mishna: Sabbath 23.5)
Nothing but idolatry, incest and bloodshed must stand in the way of
saving a life.
-(Talmud: Yoma 82a)
What profit has man of all his labor . . . under the sun?
-(Bible: Ecclesiatics 1.3, 2.22)
It were better if man had not been created; but inasmuch as he has
been created, let him examine his works.
-(Hillel School. Talmud: Erubim 13b)
"His days are as a passing shadow" [Psalm 144.4]. Not as the shadow
of a wall or tree, but as that of a flitting bird.
-(Aha. Ecclesiastics Rabbah 1.2)
Man worries over the loss of his treasure, but not over his days'
diminishing measure.
-(Bedersi, Behinat HaOlam, C. 1310)
Here today, and tommorow in the grave.
-(Johanan ben Zakkai. Talmud: Berakot 28b)
Though a man live a thousand years, yet at his demise it seems to him
as though he had lived but an hour.
-(Zohar, Genesis 223b)
Know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of the L-rd doth man live.
- (Bible: Deuteronomy 8:3)
I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore
choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
- (Bible: Deuteronomy 30:19)
To love the Lord . . . that is your life and length of days.
-(Bible: Deuteronomy 30:20)
As for man, his days are as grass. . . The wind passes over him and
he is gone, and his place knows him no more.
-(Bible: Psalms 102.12)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
- (Bible: Proverbs 18:21)
Man was not brought into this world to enjoy himself.
-(A. Ibn Ezra, Commentary, to Psalm 73.17)
Man was created to learn wisdom.
-(A. Ibn Ezra, Commentary, to Job 5.21)
Man eats to live, he does not live to eat . . . He was created to
serve G-d and to cleave to Him, not to accumulate wealth and erect
buildings which he must leave behind.
-(A. Ibn Ezra, Yesod Mora, 1158, ch.7)
Man's years are dreams; death alone can tell their meaning.
-(M. Ibn Ezra, Selected Poems, 126)
The day is short, the labor long, the workers are idle, the reward is
great, and the Master is urgent.
-(Tarfon. Mishna: Avot 2.15)
All creatures pass over a frail bridge, connecting life and death:
life is its entrance, death its exit.
-(Bahya, Hobot HaLebabot, 1040, Tokeha)
Plan for this world as if you were to live forever; plan for the
hereafter as if you were to die tommmorow.
-(Ibn Gabriol, Mibhar HaPeninim, c. 1050, #512)
Die that you may not die; live not that you may live. Die here where
you must die, not hereafter where you need not die.
-(Judah HaNasi. Abot de Rabbi Nathan, B, ch.32)
The righteous are called alive even in death; the wicked are called
dead when alive.
-(Hiyya Rabba. Talmud: Berakot 18b)
Rabbi [Judah ha-Nasi] said, "Which is the right path that a man
should choose for himself? Any that is an honor to those who persue
it, and brings him honor from mankind."
- (Talmud: Avot 2:1)
Alexander asked the Elders of the South what a man should do to
live. They replied, Let him kill himself [being righteous]. He asked
what a man should do to kill himself. They replied, let him live [in
self indulgence]!
-(Talmud: Tamid 32a)
A man should so live that at the close of every day he can repeat
"I have not wasted my day."
- Zohar
Who wants life? Guard your tongue from speaking evil.
(Proverbs)
Choose life.
(Torah)
LIVING
------
Said Samuel to Rav Judah: `Shinena, hurry up and eat hurry up and
drink, for the world from which we must go is like a wedding feast.'
- Talmud: Eruvin 54a
Said Rav: `On Judgement Day, a man will have to give account for
every good thing which his eye saw and he did not enjoy.'
- Palestinian Talmud: Kiddushin, end
Said Samuel: `Whoever engages continually in fasting is called a sinner.'
- Talmud: Ta'anit 11a
Beruria once came accross a student who was studying in a quiet,
listless manner. She gave him a kick, and said, `When you study, you
should study with all the 248 limbs of your body.'
- Talmud: Eruvin 53b
LOVE
----
A needle's eye is not too narrow for two lovers, but the whole world
is not wide enough for two enemies.
-(Ibn Gabirol, Mibhar HaPeninim, c.1050, #281)
Love which is physical, like that of Amnon and Tamar, vanishes with
the object; love which is not physical, like that of David and
Jonathan, is imperishable.
-(Mishna: Avot 5:16)
In love is found the secret of divine unity.
-(Zohar, Exodus 216a)
Love alone dominates fear.
-(Zohar, Exodus 216a)
Thou shalt love the L-rd thy G-d with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy might.
-(Bible:Deuteronomy 6:5)
The congregation of Israel said, Even in my distress and bitterness,
my Beloved shall lodge between my breasts!
-(Joshua ben Levi. Talmud: Shabbat 88b)
Man's love of G-d is identical with his knowledge of Him.
-(Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed, 1190, 3.51)
"Love the L-rd . . . with all thy heart"- with both your good and
evil inclinations; "with all thy soul"- even when He takes your life;
"with all thy might"- with all your possesions.
-(Mishna: Berakot 9.5)
Teach not love of scholars only, but the love of all.
-(Avot de Rabbi Nathan, ch. 16)
MARRIAGE
--------
Fourty days before the creation of a child, a voice proclaims in
heaven: "So-and-so's daughter for so-and-so's son!"
- Talmud: Sotah 29b
When a soul is sent down from heaven, it contains both male and
female characteristics; the male elements enter the boy baby, the
female the girl baby; and if they be worthy, G-d reunites them in
marriage.
- Zohar
It was the custom [in ancient Judea] to plant a ceder tree when a boy
was born, and to plant a pine when a girl was born; and when they
were married, the canopy was made of branches woven from both trees.
-Talmud: Gittin 57a
More than a man desires to marry, a woman desires to be married.
- Talmud: Yebamoth 113a
The female [child] should be married first, for the shame of the
woman is greater than the shame of a man.
- Talmud: Ketuboth 67b
He who is without a wife dwells without blessing, life joy, help
good, and peace - and without defence against temptaion.
- Talmud: Yebamot 62b
Before you take a wife, study her brothers.
- Rabbi Raba, Talmud: Baba Bathra 110a
When a young man's wife dies, the alter of G-d is draped in mourning.
-Talmud: Sanhedrin 22a
There is a substitute for for everything except the wife of your youth.
- Talmud: Sanhedrin 22a
Husband and wife are like one flesh.
- Talmud: Menahoth 93b
Love your wife as yourself - and honor her more.
- Talmud: Yebamoth 62:b
Home is the wife.
- Talmud: Yomah 2a
Be careful to honor your wife, for blessing enters the house only
because of the wife.
- Talmud: Baba Metzia 59a
A man should always take care not to distress his wife, for women's
tears are close to the heart of G-d.
- Talmud: Bava Metzia 59a
Three things broaden a man's mind: an attractive house, attractive
furniture, and an attractive wife.
- Talmud: Berakhot 57b
A beautiful wife makes for happiness and her husband's days are doubled.
- Talmud: Tebamoth 63b
When a man marries, his sins decrease.
- Talmud: Kiddushin 29b
Whoever remains unmarried does not deserve to be called a man.
- Talmud: Yebamoth 63a
Man is not even called a man until united with woman.
- Zohar
A man without a wife is not perfect [complete].
- Talmud: Yoma 12a
A man should not marry a woman with the mental reservation that,
after all, he can divorce her.
- Talmud: Yebamoth 37b
When a divorced man marries a divorced woman, four go to bed.
- Talmud: Pesahim 112a
If husband and wife are worthy, the Holy Presence abides with them;
if not, fire consumes them.
- Rabbi Akiba in Talmud: Sotah 17a
A good wife is a crown to her husband; but one who acts shamefully is
like rot in his bones.
- Book of Proverbs 12:4
It is better to live in a corner of the roof, than share a large
house with a quarrelsome wife.
- Book of Proverbs 21:9
A bad wife is like a dreary, rainy day.
- Talmud: Yebamoth 63
A bad wife is like a wolf: she may change her hair but not her nature.
- Ibn Gabriol
Hell awits the man who always follows the advice of his wife.
- Talmud: Baba Metzia 59a
MERCY
-----
A throne is established through mercy.
-(Bible: Isaiah 16.5)
I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.
-(Bible: Hosea 6.6)
Show mercy and compassion every man to his brother.
-(Bible: Zecharia 7.9)
Mercy and truth are met together.
-(Bible: Psalms 85.11)
The merciful man does good to his own soul.
-(Bible: Proverbs 11.17)
If you are merciful, the Merciful will be merciful to you.
-(Gamaliel II. Tosefta: Baba Kamma 9.30)
Who is merciful to the merciless will be merciless to the merciful.
-(Simeon Ben Lakish. Ecclesiastics Rabbah 7.16)
He who asks for mercy for another while he himself is in the same
need, will be answered first.
-(Talmud: Baba Kamma 92a)
MESSIAH
-------
Jews have no Messiah to expect, for they already had him at the time
of Hezekiah.
-(Hillel ben Gamaliel III. Talmud: Sanhedrin 99a)
I beleive with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah; and
although he tarry, I will wait daily for his coming.
-(Maimonides. Commentary to Mishna: Sanhedrin, 1168, 10.1,
Thirteen Principles #12)
There shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse . . . He
shall judge with righteousness the poor, . . . and with the breath of
his lips shall he slay the wicked.
-(Bible: Isaiah 11.1,4)
On the day the Temple was destroyed, Messiah was born.
-(Abin. Jerusalem Talmud: Berakot 2.4)
Israel's last redeemer [Messiah] was born before its first enslaver
[Pharaoh].
-(Genesis Rabbah 85.1)
Messiah's name was one of seven things created before the creation of
the earth.
-(Talmud: Pesahim 54)
The son of David will come when all souls destined for earthly bodies
will have been born.
-(Assi. Talmud: Yebamot 62a)
When you see the Powers fighting, look for King Messiah.
-(Elazar ben Abina. Genesis Rabbah 42.2)
Just before the Messiah's advent, insolence will increase and honor
dwindle . . . the government will turn to heresy . . . academies will
become bawdy houses . . . scholorship will degenerate, piety will be
scorned, truth will cease, youths will be impudent . . . and man's
enemies will be members of his own household.
-(Eliezer ben Hyrcanus. Mishna: Sota 9.15)
Messiah will come in a Generation of all good or all bad.
-(Jonathan ben Nappaha. Talmud: Sanhedrin 98a)
All these matters of the Messiah's advent will not be known to anyone
until they happen.
-(Maimonides, Yad: Melakim, 1180, 12.2)
When will Messiah come? "Today, if ye hearken to His voice."
-(Simeon ben Yohai. Talmud: Sanhedrin 98a (Psalms 95.7))
The redeemer will come when men dispair of the redemption.
-(Talmud: Sanhedrin 97a)
Three come unawares: Messiah, a find and a scorpion.
-(Zera. Talmud: Sanhedrin 97a)
All the calculated ends have already passsed, and now it depends
entirely on repentance and good deeds.
-(Rab. Talmud: Sanhedrin 97b)
MONEY
-----
Money answers alll things.
-(Bible: Ecclesiatics 10.19)
Cash is the best Broker.
-(Ashi. Talmud: Baba Metzia 63b)
If we have no money, no one respects us.
-(Esther Rabbah 2.4)
Put not all your money in one basket.
-(Hiyya Rabbah. Genesis Rabbah 76.3)
Always keep your money in three parts: a third in land, a third in
merchandise, and a third in cash.
-(Isaac Nappaha. Talmud: Baba Metzia 42a)
All the organs depend on the heart, and the heart depends on the
purse.
-(Johanan ben Nappaha. Jerusalem Talmud: Terumot 8.4)
Money legitimates a bastard.
-(Joshua ben Levi. Talmud: Kiddushin 71a)
When a man marries for money, a month comes and a month goes, and the
dowry is no more.
-(Nahman ben Isaac. Talmud: Kiddushin 70a)
None is in control of himself when when his money is at stake.
-(Talmud: Yoma 85b)
All money is Mine.
-(Talmud: Derek Eretz 3.3)
NAME
----
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.
-(Bible: Proverbs 22.1)
A good name is better than a precious ointment.
-(Bible: Ecclesiastics 7.1)
Every man has three names: one his father and mother gave him, one
others call him, and one he acquires himself.
-(Ecclesiastics Rabbah 7.1.3)
One's name has an influence on one's life.
-(Eleazar ben Pedat. Talmud: Berakot 7b)
Who aggrandizes his name loses his name.
-(Hillel. Mishna: Avot 1.13)
Happy is he who grew up with a good name, and departed this world
with a good name.
-(Johanan. Talmud: Berakot 17a)
The earned name is worth much more than the given name.
-(Phineas ben Hama. Ecclesistics Rabbah 7.4)
A Jew should not accept the name of a heathen idol or saint.
-(Sefer Hasidim, 13C, 195, pg. 74)
A change of name acts as an atonement for sin.
-(Zohar, Genesis 133b)
- Pirkei Avot ***** ******
PEACE
-----
The work of righteousness shall be peace.
-(Bible: Isaiah 32.17)
There is no peace, says the Lord, onto the wicked.
-(Bible: Isaiah 48.22)
Seek peace and persue it.
-(Bible: Psalms 34.15)
There is a future for the man of peace.
-(Bible: Psalms 37.37)
Great peace have they that love Thy Law.
-(Bible: Psalms 119.165)
Rabbi Shimon the son of Gamliel said: The world rests on three
things, on law on truth and on peace, as it is said execute the
judgement of truth and peace in your gates.
-(Pirkei Avot 1:18)
A man should be kindly and not demanding in his house.
-(Bamidbar Rabbah 89)
The disciples of the wise increase peace in the world.
-(Hanina ben Hama. Talmud: Berakot 64a)
Be of the disciples of Aaron, one who loves peace and persues it, who
loves all men and brings them near to the Torah.
-(Hillel. Mishna: Avot 1.12)
Those who lived in the Holy Land - when they saw which of two
people engaged in a quarrel stopped first, used to say: "this one
is of finer Jewish stock."
-(Kiddushin 71)
The blessing of the Holy One is peace.
-(Talmud: Megilla 18a)
G-d is peace, His name is peace and all is bound together in peace.
-(Zohar: Leviticus 10b)
POVERTY
-------
If your brother becomes poor, . . . uphold him.
-(Bible: Leviticus 25.35)
I know that the L-rd will maintain the cause of the poor.
-(Bible: Psalms 140.13)
The poor man's wisdom is despised, his words are not heard.
-(Bible: Ecclesisatic 9.16)
When a Jew must eat carobs, he repents.
-(Aha. Leviticus Rabbah 35.6)
Neglect not the children of the poor, for from them will go forth the
law.
-(Eleazar ben Pedat. Talmud: Nedarim 81a)
Who are G-d's people? The poor.
-(Exodus Rabbah 31.5 on Exodus 22.24)
Poverty outweighs all other troubles.
-(Exodus Rabaah 31.14)
PRAYER
------
Only that man's prayer is answered who lifts his hands with his heart
in them.
- Ta'anit 8a
From the depths I called You, Hashem (Psalm 130:1). From this verse
the sages derive that one should not pray from a high place, only from
a low place, for there must never be haughtiness before Hashem.
- Berachot 10B
Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus composed a short prayer to be recited in a
moment of danger: "Do thy good pleasure in Heaven above, and grant
composure of spirit to those who revere Thee below; whatsoever is good
in thy sight, do. Blessed art Thou O Lord our G-d, who hearest
prayer."
An anonymous prayer runs: "The needs of Thy people Israel are many,
and their wit is scant. May it be Thy good pleasure, O Lord our G-d,
to give each one everything he needs; and mayest Thou supply to each
and every person what he requires. Blessed is He who heareth prayer."
- Tosefot Berakot 3,7; Berakot 29b
RIGHTEOUS
---------
Glory to the righteous.
-(Bible: Isaiah 24.16)
Who walks righteously . . . shall dwell on high.
-(Bible: Isaiah 33.15)
They sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes.
-(Bible: Amos 2.6)
The righteous deals graciously, and gives.
-(Bible: Psalms 37.23)
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.
-(Bible: Psalms 92.13)
The path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shines more
and more to the perfect day.
-(Bible: Proverbs 4.18)
Is it any advantage to the almighty that you are righteous?
-(Bible: Job 22.3)
G-d said: I rule man; who rules Me? The righteous: for I issue a
decree, and he may annul.
-(Abbahu. Talmud: Moed Katan 16b)
The world would have been created even for one righteous man.
-(Eleazar ben Pedat. Talmud: Yoma 38b)
Only he is righteous before G-d who is also good to man.
-(Iddi. Talmud: Kiddushin 40a)
Even in His wrath, the Holy One remembers the righteous.
-(Johanan ben Napaha. Talmud: Berakot 54b)
One righteous man does not die till another, equally righteous, is
born.
-(Johana ben Napaha. Talmud: Yoma 38b)
The righteous are superior to angels.
-(Johanan ben Napaha. Talmud: Sanhedrin 93a)
Righteous men do not take what is not theirs.
-(Rab. Talmud: Sanhedrin 99b)
There are always 36 righteous men among the nations, by whose virtue
those nations abide.
-(Judah ben Ilai. Talmud: Hullin 92a)
The righteous men of all nations are priests of the Holy One.
-(Seder Eliahu Zuta ch.20)
The righteous protect a city more than sands the sea.
-(Simeon ben Lakish. Talmud: Baba Bathra 7b)
Wherever the righteous go, the Shekhina goes with them.
-(Simeon ben Yohai. Genesis Rabbah 86.6)
The world must have no less than 36 righteous men in each generation
who are privaleged to view the Shekhina.
-(Abaye'. Talmud: Sanhedrin 97b)
The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of
righteousness quietness and confidence for ever.
-(Bible: Isaiah 32.17)
The world rests on a single pillar, Righteousness.
-(Eleazar ben Shammua. Talmud: Hagiga 12b on Proverbs 10.25)
SCHOLARS
--------
Scholars promote peace in the world.
- Hanina. Talmud: Yebamot 122b
Scholars have no rest, even in the world to come.
- Hiyya ben Ashi. Talmud: Moed Katan 29a
What scholar may be appointed community head? He who can answer a
question in any area of the law.
- Johanan ben Nappaha. Talmud: Shabbat 114a
Scholars are builders, builders of the world.
- Johanan ben Nappaha. Talmud: Shabbat 114a
If three consecutive generations are scholars, the Torah will not
depart from that line.
- Johanan ben Nappaha. Talmud: Baba Metzia 85a
Woe to the scholars of Torah who lack the fear of G-d.
- Jonathan ben Eleazar. Talmud: Yoma 72b
Jerusalem was destroyed for not respecting scholars.
- Judah ben Ezekiel. Talmud: Shabbat 119b
Rather a corpse than a scholar without sense.
- Leviticus Rabbah 1.15
A student who permits everybody to tread over him will retain his
learning.
- Mathna. Talmud: Erubim 54a
A young scholar can kindle the mind of an older one.
- Nahman ben Isaac. Talmud: Taanit 7a
You will find no Torah in one who, because of some knowledge, exalts
himself to the sky.
- Raba. Talmud: Erubim 55a
"Bring the precious out of the vile" [Jeremiah 15.19]. Even a vile
person may be a source of knowledge.
- Meir. Midrash Mishle' 2.6
A student who did not wait on scholars remains a boor.
- Samuel ben Nahman. Talmud: Sota 22a
A scholar, like a bride, should be retiring and discrete, without
blemish and above reproach.
- Simeon ben Lakish. Cant Rabbah 4.11a
A scholar who is not vindictive like a snake, is not a scholar.
- Simeon ben ehozadak. Talmud: Yoma 22b-23a
The Holy One avenges the offended ignity of a rabbinical scholar.
- Talmud: Berakot 19a
A scholar should be like a leather bottle, which admits no wind; like
a deep garden bed, which retains its moisture; like a pitch-coated
vessel, which preserves its wine, and like a sponge which absorbs
everything.
- Talmud: Derek Eretz 1.2
As a spice-box contains all sorts of spices, so should a scholar be
full of all sorts of learning.
- Tanhuma ben Abba. Cant. Rabbah 5.13
SCHOOL
------
Jerusalem was destroed because it's children were in the streets
[Jeremiah 6.11] not in schools.
- Hamnuna. Talmud: Shabbat 119b
A synagogue may be turned into a school.
- Joshua ben Levi. Talmud: Megilla 27a
A school may not be turned into a synagogue.
- Papi. Talmud: Megilla 27a
The world abides only for the sake of school children.
- Judah HaNasi. Talmud: Shabbat 119b
Children should be sent to school at the age of six or seven,
according to the physical strength and development of the child. But
no child should be entered under six years of age...
- Rambam: Hilchot Talmud Torah
The studies of school children may not be interrupted even for the
building of the Temple.
- Judah HaNasi. Talmud: Shabbat 119b
Better expel one annoying pupil than ruin a whole class.
- Sefer Hasidim, 13C, #184, p. 72
A town without schools is doomed to destruction.
- Simeon ben Lakish. Talmud: Shabbat 119b
Synagogues and houses of study are Israel's towers [Cant 8.10].
- Simeon ben Lakish. Talmud: Baba Bathra 8a
SHABBAT
-------
The Sabbath is a sixtieth of the world to come.
- Talmud Berakhot *****
G-d blessed the seventh day and hallowed it. -(Genesis 2:3)
Remember the Sabbath day and keep it Holy. Six days thou shalt labor, and
do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the L-rd, thy G-d.
-(Exodus 20:8-10)
It [the Sabbath] is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever.
-(Exodus 31:17)
Observe the Sabbath day and keep it Holy, as the L-rd your G-d has
commanded you. -(Deuteronomy 5:12)
I have a precious gift in my treasury, said G-d to Moses: "Shabbat" is
its name; go and tell Israel I wish to present it to them.
-(Shabbat 10b)
The Jews, in bondage in Egypt, possesed scrolls, in which they reveled
every Sabbath. These promised them that G-d would redeem them because they
rested on the Sabbath. -(Midrash: Exodus Rabbah 5)
What was created on the Sabbath day after G-d rested? Peace of mind, rest,
contentment and quiet. -(Genesis Rabbah; Chapter 10,end)
The Sabbath is an incomplete form of the world to come. -(Hanina ben Isaac,
Genesis Rabbah 17:5)
The Holy One lends man an extra soul on the eve of the Sabbath, and
withdraws it at the close of the Sabbath.
-(Simeon ben Lakish. Talmud: Betza 16a)
The Sabbath was given for the study of Torah. -(Talmud: Pesikta Rabbati 22)
Anyone who observes the Sabbath properly even if he be an idolater, is
forgiven his sins [against G-d]. -(Rabbi Johanan, Talmud: Shabbat 118b)
Shabbat is the Queen of the week. -(Talmud: Shabbath 119a)
No Sabbath laws apply where life is in danger. -(Mathia ben Heresh, Mishna:
Yoma 8:6)
"It is a sign between Me and you" and not between Me and the other nation
of the world. -(Mechilta Ki Tissa, (on Exodus 31:17))
The Sabbath is a mirror of the world to come. -(Zohar, Gen. 48a)
As the Sabbath commences, all harmful fires are suppresed, including
that of Gehenna, so that sinners obtain a respite.
-(Zohar, Exodus 203b)
When the Sabbbath day complained , "All the days of the week are
paired, I alone am an odd number, without a mate," the Holy One
replied, "The congregation of Israel is your mate!"
- Pesikta Rabbati, ch. 23, ed. Freidman, 117b
The Sabbath was given only for pleasure.
- Hiyya ben Abba. Pessikta Rabbati, ch. 23, ed Freidman, 121a
Kindle no fire throughout your habitations on the Sabbath day.
- Bible: Exodus 35.3
To save a life, disregard a Sabbath, that the endangered may enjoy
many Sabbaths.
- Simeon ben Menasya. Talmud: Yoma 85b
No Sabbath laws apply where life is in danger.
- Matia ben Heresh. Mishna: Yoma 8.6
You may violate the Sabbath to relieve pain.
- Matia ben Heresh. Talmud: Yoma 84a
Tell nothing on the Sabbath that will draw tears.
- Sefer Hasidim, 13C, #625, p.167
Sanctify the Sabbath with food, drink, clean garments and pleasure,
and G-d will reward you for it!
- Hiyya ben Abba. Deuteronomy Rabbah 3.1
Devote part of the Sabbath to Torah and part to feasting.
- Jerusalem Talmud: Shabbat 15.3
Sabbath observance balances all of the commandments of Torah.
- Eleazar ben Abina. Jerusalem Talmud: Nedarim 3.9
Who worships on Shabbath eve is as G-d's partner in creation.
- Hamnuna. Talmud: Shabbath 119b
Jews will be redeemed by virtue of their Sabbath observance.
- Hiyya ben Abba. Leviticus Rabbah 3.1
If Israel kept properly one Sabbath, the Son of David would come, for
Sabbath is equivalent to all other commandments.
- Levi. Exodus Rabbah 25.12
If Israel observed properly two Sabbaths, they would be redeemed
immediately.
- Simeon ben Yohai. Talmud: Shabbat 118b
Who spends for the Sabbath is repaid by the Sabbath.
- Talmud: Sabbath 119a
The Sabbath is the choicest fruit and flower of the week, the Queen
whose coming changes the humblest home into a palace.
- Judah Halevi. Cuzari, c. 1135, 3.5
TORAH
-----
Upon three things the world stands upon; upon Torah, upon worship
and upon the showing of kindness.
- Pirkei Avot
Turn it and turn it [the Torah] for all is in it, and look in it
and grow grey and old in it and turn not away from it for there
is no better rule than it.
- Ben Bag Bag - Pirkei Avot
Shammai said: Make thy [study of the] Law a fixed duty, say
little and do much and receive every man with a cheerful countenance.
- Pirkei Avot 1:15
It is not your responsibility to complete the task but neither
are you permitted to avoid it.
- Pirkei Avot 2:1
One does not properly understand the meaning of the Torah's
words except by erring in them.
- Talmud
The reason the tract of the Pirke Avoth is referred to as Avoth is
because the word Avoth also denotes general principles. In highly
condensed sayings, the sages mentioned in this tract were able to
present all the basic principles of ethics and morals. The tract,
therefore, is called Avoth, that is, the tract of "General
principles." The teachings here are like "fathers" to all other
teacings of ethics and morals.
- Tosefoth Yom Tov: Midrash Shmuel
WISDOM
------
Happy is the man who finds wisdom . . . Her ways are ways of
pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to
them that lay hold on her.
- Bible: Proverbs 3.13, 17f
The beginning of wisdom is: Get wisdom.
- Bible: Proverbs 4.7
Who finds me finds life.
- Bible: Proverbs 8.35
The fear of the L-rd, that is wisdom.
- Bible: Job 28.28
Wisdom is better than strength.
- Bible: Ecclesiastics 9.16
Wisdom begets humility.
- A. Ibn Ezra. Commentary to Ecclesisatics 8.1
A short life with much wisdom is better than a long life with little
wisdom.
- M. Ibn Ezra. Shirat Yisrael, (12C) 1924, p. 37
A king said to his favorite councilor, "Ask what you will and I shall
grant it." The councilor asked for his daughter in marriage, knowing
that thus all else will be his. Similarly, G-d asked Solomon [Kings I
3.5] what he would have, and Solomon asked for - Wisdom.
- Simeon ben Halafta. Ecclesiastics Rabbah 1.1.1
Wisdom without fear of G-d is despicable.
- Talmud: Tosefta Derek Eretz 1.9
A wise man is strong.
- Bible: Proverbs 24.5
A wise man is superior to a prophet.
- Amemar. Talmud: Baba Bathra 12 a
Who is wise? He who learns from everybody.
- Ben Zoma. Mishna: Avot 4.1
Man is wise only while in search of wisdom; when he imagines he has
attained it, he is a fool.
- Ibn Gabriol, Mibhar HaPeninim, c. 1050, #21
A sage who was asked, "Why are you wiser than your friends," said,
"Because I spent more on oil than on wine."
[oil for light to read by, rather than wine for drinking]
- Ibn Gabriol, Mibhar HaPeninim, c. 1050, #16
A sage is more of an asset to a nation than its king.
- Maimonides, Commentary to Mishna: Horayot, 3, end. 1168
Anyone who follows a middle course is called a sage.
- Maimonides, Yad: Deot, 1180, 1.4
Let your house be a meeting place for the wise and sit amidst the
dust of their feet and drink in their words with thirst.
- Jose ben Joezer. Mishna: Avot 1.4
There are seven characteristics of an uncultured person, and seven of
a wise man. A wise man does not speak before a person who is superior
to him in wsdom; he does not break in upon the words of his fellow;
he is not hasty to answer; he questions in accordance to the subject
matter and answers to the point; he speaks upon the first thing first
and upon the last thing last; regarding what he has not heard he says
`I do not understand it'; and he admits the truth. And the reverse of
all these is the characteristic of an uncultured man.
- Mishna: Avot 5.7
Who is wise? He who forsees results.
- Talmud: Tamid 32a
A pupil who suggests new ideas to his master is a sage
- Zohar, Exodus 201a
WOMEN
-----
A woman of valor who can find? Her price is far above rubies.
- Bible: Proverbs 31.10
One man among a thousand have I found; but a women among all those
have I not found.
- Bible: Ecclesistics 7.28
Why is a man more easily pasified than a woman? Because a man was
made out of soft earth, and a woman out of a hard rib.
- Dosetai ben Yannai. Talmud: Niddah 31b
A woman craves for jewelry.
- Eleazar. Talmud: Ketubot 65a
A woman will uncover a pot to see what her neighbor is cooking.
- Eliezer ben Philo. Mishna: Tohoret 7.9
Women are a distinct race.
- Joseph. Talmud: Shabbat 62a
Woman was endowed with more intelligence than man.
- Judah HaNasi. Talmud: Niddah 45b
Rav Hisda said: "G-d endowed women with more understanding than men."
- Talmud: Niddah 45b
When G-d was about to create Eve, He considered well from what part
of Adam to create her. Said He: "I will not use the head, lest she
be swell-headed; not the eye, lest she be a coquette; not the ear,
lest she be an eavesdropper; not the mouth, lest she be a gossip; not
the heart, lest she be prone to jealousy; not the hand, lest she be
light-fingered; not the foot, lest she be a gadabout; I shall make
her from a hidden part of man, that she be modest." Yet in spite of
all the precautions, she is subjected to all these faults.
- Levi. Genesis Rabbah 18.2
Women are fond of talking.
- Nathan. Talmud: Berakot 48b
The disciples of R. Shila said "Women are compassionate."
- Talmud: Megilla 14b
Rav Simeon b. Yohai said, "Women are of unstable temperment."
- Talmud: Shabbat 33b
Every woman has a mind of her own.
- Talmud: Berakot 45b
Rav Hisda said, "If a women marries before the age of twenty, she can
bear children until sixty. If she marries after twenty, she can bear
children until forty. But when she marries after forty, she can no
longer bear children."
- Baba Bathra 119b
YIDDISH QUOTES
--------------
Eggs want to be smarter than Hens.
About his children, every parent is blind.
It is easier to have children, than to raise them.
Whenever children are learning, there dwells the divine presence.
Learning requires a talent for sitting.
When a teacher fights with his wife, it is tough on the students.
Drive your horse with oats, not with a whip.
Doctors can cure anything except poverty.
The man who takes care of himself as he does his livestock, won't get sick.
Some medicine does in a whole week what no medicine does in seven days.
Love is the best medicine.
The heart sees better than the eye.
The best synagogue is in the heart.
The prayer goes up; the blessing comes down.
Passion is a master.
Hell is not so bad as the road to it.
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from: The Jewish Education Network
at: http://www.aquanet.co.il/vip/mc
e-mail: jenet@iname.com
date: 17 Tamuz 5758 / July 12, 1998
ver: 1.1
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Matatia Chetrit, Copyright (1998)
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