RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: INTERFAITH JEWISH WEDDINGS :CO-OFFICIATE: BLUFFTON, SC

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: INTERFAITH JEWISH WEDDINGS: CO-OFFICIATE: BLUFFTON, SC

 

(NB: I am writing this a few hours before the 5th of Iyar, Israel's Day of Independence,Yom Ha'atzmaut  ,יום העצמאות‎,  being celebrated in Israel on Tuesday the 6th of Iyar, Gregorian May 10, 2011. If you live near the Hilton Head Island, SC area, it is being celebrated on Thursday May 12, 2011 at 5 PM at Congregation Beth Yam, jointly with Congregation Oseh Shalom of Bluffton, SC.

 

 I dedicate this class to my friends and our fellow talmidim Bill and Jeni Bilek  the organizers of this event, to all of those volunteers and board members in Oseh Shalom and Beth Yam,  working diligently for this event, to my friend and talmid  Mike Regal for his band playing at the event, and to my dear Chaver Rabbi Brad Bloom of Beth Yam for nurturing Judaism on our Island, and most importantly to the Judaic principles of Am Israel Chai v' Rodef Shalom, Keeping the People of Israel Alive, and Pursuing Peace.) 

 

Jewish Spiritual Renewal: Derek Eretz Zuta + Rabbah:

 

Shabbat 05/14/11

 

(aka Derech Eretz )

 

The JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL class list is hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network a service of Hebrew College/Yeshiva

 

Shalom my dear Chaverim, Talmidim, v' Rabbanim, friends, students and fellow rabbis. Welcome back from our month break for Passover.

 

An oneg, joy-filled, Shabbat, Sabbath, this weekend.. 

 

We continue with our exploration into the Talmudic Tractates of Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. (aka Derech Eretz Zuta, aka Derech Eretz Rabbah. As was mentioned, zuta is Aramaic for 'small', and rabbah is 'large').

 

 Remember that Derek Eretz is not about Jewish ritual. It is about how we are to treat one another and what traits of character, middot, we are to try to develop. The lessons are universal and ecumenical.

 

For those new to the class, Baruch ha Ba! Welcome! You can access last week's class  at  

Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: ALL EQUAL IN GOD'S EYES, NEED TO BE EQUAL IN OUR EYES

or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2011/03/rabbi-arthur-segal-all-equal-in-gods.html

 

 From here you will find links to preceding classes in this  series.

 So,  together we continue:

 

TALMUD BAVLI

 

 

TRACTATE DEREK

 

 

ERETZ ZUTA

 

(aka Derech Eretz)

 

Today we begin CHAPTER 2.

Talmud Bavli Tractate Derek Eretz Zuta Verse   2:1 

 

'' Let all thy ways be for the sake of Heaven. Love Heaven, and fear it. Tremble at, and at the same time rejoice over all commandments. Sit before the elders, and let thy ears be attentive to their words.''

 

Let us start off by taking the words of the Talmud, translated from Aramaic, into an easily read statement. I invite you to try this: ''Live a life that is good and just. Love what is good and just and pursue it. Love and be in awe of Judaism's ethical teachings. Study our 2500 + years of rabbinic ethical teachings and follow them.''

 

When we parse this we see that we are being taught to negate the will of our yetzer ha ra, our inclination to do wrong, to do always listen to that ''still small voice'' telling us to do what is right and just.

 

We are to love and appreciate goodness and justice, and understand that by living a life like this, we become spiritually attached to the Divine. When we do what we call in Judaism "God's will,'' we are much less apt to step on the toes of others. When we do not toe step, we then become less apt to come into conflict  with others.

 

Some people are enemy centered. If they are not fighting with someone or some organization, they are not happy. Derek Eretz teaches us to let lashon ha ra, gossip, even slander, to not stick to us. We lose that skin of Velcro and develop one of Teflon. We do not respond. These spiritually ill folk will find someone else soon enough to attempt to molest.

 

As I was taught long ago on this spiritual rabbinic path: ''Moses and even God couldn't please everyone, and neither will you.'' And the Yiddish expression of "If God lived on earth, people would throw rocks through His window," implies the same.

 

So we are to pursue what is good and just. While there is a part of Judaism that teaches we must seek out injustice and help correct it, with Derek Eretz, concerned about our relations with others, we are being taught to root out our OWN character defects that lead us away from being good, just and full of ahavath chesed (loving kindness). We do this with a process of Jewish Spiritual  Renewal, teshuvah, by starting with an inventory of our soul, called a Chesbon ha Nefesh.

chesbon ha nefesh "rabbi arthur segal" - Google Search

 

We take stock of our lives and realize that how society is showing us how to behave, (e.g.:Two And a Half Men, Housewives of various Cities, "Entertainment News''),  is not what works well for us. Hence we learn to appreciate the sage advice that is universal and timeless. By studying a tractate of Talmud such as Derek Eretz, literally ''walking the land,'' but meaning how we get along with others, we are doing such and our lives become spiritually richer and connected.

 

Next week, Baruch ha Shem, we will continue with chapter two of of Derek Eretz Zuta .

 

We discuss the aspects of this verse of negating our will and ego and doing what is good and just, throughout the majority of chapters in  The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew  as well as in most chapters of A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud  .

 

What are your ideas about leading a life where you put aside your selfish desires?  How has learning that Judaism  believes in a loving God helped you live in harmony with others? How has understanding the spiritual and ethical teachings of Judaism  helped you live a happier life?

 

Next class, Baruch ha Shem, we will continue with Derek Eretz Zuta ,  continuing  Chapter Two. Thank you for joining me.

 

 

For those who want a d'var Torah on Parasha Behar from A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud  or http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/index.html#Compendium2  please click on:   Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL:BEHAR:Joy of Judaism:Jewish Spirituality:Jewish Renewal  or  http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2009/05/rabbi-arthur-segalbeharjoy-of.html

 

Shalom:

 

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

 

If visiting SC's Low Country, contact us for a Shabbat meal, in our home by the sea, our beth yam.

 

Maker of Shalom (Oseh Shalom) help make us deserving of Shalom beyond all human comprehension!

 

The JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL mailing list is hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network.
Join Shamash's Groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

To unsubscribe from the SPIRITUALRENEWAL list, email: SPIRITUALRENEWAL-unsubscribe-request@SHAMASH.ORG
For other options go to: http://listserv.SHAMASH.ORG/

---

The SPIRITUALRENEWAL mailing list is hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network.
Join Shamash's Groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Jewniverse: Sign up now! . http://www.shamash.org/ezclick/ezclick.php?id=19

To unsubscribe from the SPIRITUALRENEWAL list, email: SPIRITUALRENEWAL-unsubscribe-request@SHAMASH.ORG
For other options go to: http://listserv.SHAMASH.ORG/

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: DEREK ERETZ:FRIENDING ON FACEBOOK

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: DEREK ERETZ: FRIENDING ON FACEBOOK

 

BLUFFTON SUN MAY 3, 2011

Shalom and peace:

We will continue today with Judaism's Derek Eretz, how we are to behave towards one another.

"Hate the expression: "And what of it?" (i.e., even of the most unimportant things you should not express yourself this way). ''

Now this was written circa 2000 plus years ago. How often do we hear folks today respond to other's issues with ''Too much information,'' or ''So what,'' or ''Whatever''? In fact all of these expressions translate to ''I don't care,'' or ''I don't have time for you.''

We are advised in Derek Eretz that we should ''hate'' these expressions, because even what seems unimportant to us, may be quite important to another person.

 

In Hebrew the word for mute (elem) and violence (alimut) have the same root. When we do not give ear to our friends concerns, when we mute them, we lead them to frustration and potential violence. How many times have we heard of or witnessed suicides, or attempts of such, with notes written stating that no one would listen to the suicidal person.

 

It is interesting to note, that modern Jewish ethical authorities, using ancient Talmudic maxims, have ruled that it is not in the best of Jewish behavior to ignore emails or even deny someone's ''friending'' on a social network. Just as we are taught to greet every person with a smile and warm ''shalom,'' with social media and email replacing the daily meeting of people in the market or on the street, we must respond to emails and friendship requests positively. Now of course, if one then abuses us, there are ways to block them on these networks.

 

Active listening is an act of ahavath chesed, loving kindness. Telling someone ''And what of it?'' or ''Whatever?'' trivializes their concerns and separates them from us.

 

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what he hears. The ability to listen actively can improve personal relationships through reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding.

When interacting, people often are not listening attentively. We may be distracted, thinking about other things, or thinking about what the other is going to say next (the latter case is particularly true in conflict situations or disagreements). Active listening is a structured way of listening and responding to others, focusing attention on the speaker. Suspending our own frame of reference, suspending judgment and avoiding other internal mental activities are important to fully attend to the speaker.

Active listening is putting aside ''self'' and ''selfishness'' and paying close attention not only to the words another is saying, but to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

While it was Dr. Thomas Gordon (USA 1918 -2002) who popularized the term ''active listening,'' the ancient sages of Talmudic Judaism taught it and practiced it. We would not want to have ourselves muted by another when we need to speak. Active listening is another way of loving our fellows as ourselves.

Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. Visit him at www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org.   Follow him on FaceBook at 'Arthur L Segal', on Twitter at RabbiASegal, or his blog at  http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com .  Email at RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net .

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL:DEREK ERETZ: ACTIVE LISTENING

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL:DEREK ERETZ: ACTIVE LISTENING

 

 

BLUFFTON  SUN MAY 3, 2011

Shalom and peace:

We will continue today with Judaism's Derek Eretz, how we are to behave towards one another.

"Hate the expression: "And what of it?" (i.e., even of the most unimportant things you should not express yourself this way). ''

Now this was written circa 2000 plus years ago. How often do we hear folks today respond to other's issues with ''Too much information,'' or ''So what,'' or ''Whatever''? In fact all of these expressions translate to ''I don't care,'' or ''I don't have time for you.''

We are advised in Derek Eretz that we should ''hate'' these expressions, because even what seems unimportant to us, may be quite important to another person.

 

In Hebrew the word for mute (elem) and violence (alimut) have the same root. When we do not give ear to our friends concerns, when we mute them, we lead them to frustration and potential violence. How many times have we heard of or witnessed suicides, or attempts of such, with notes written stating that no one would listen to the suicidal person.

 

It is interesting to note, that modern Jewish ethical authorities, using ancient Talmudic maxims, have ruled that it is not in the best of Jewish behavior to ignore emails or even deny someone's ''friending'' on a social network. Just as we are taught to greet every person with a smile and warm ''shalom,'' with social media and email replacing the daily meeting of people in the market or on the street, we must respond to emails and friendship requests positively. Now of course, if one then abuses us, there are ways to block them on these networks.

 

Active listening is an act of ahavath chesed, loving kindness. Telling someone ''And what of it?'' or ''Whatever?'' trivializes their concerns and separates them from us.

 

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what he hears. The ability to listen actively can improve personal relationships through reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding.

When interacting, people often are not listening attentively. We may be distracted, thinking about other things, or thinking about what the other is going to say next (the latter case is particularly true in conflict situations or disagreements). Active listening is a structured way of listening and responding to others, focusing attention on the speaker. Suspending our own frame of reference, suspending judgment and avoiding other internal mental activities are important to fully attend to the speaker.

Active listening is putting aside ''self'' and ''selfishness'' and paying close attention not only to the words another is saying, but to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

While it was Dr. Thomas Gordon (USA 1918 -2002) who popularized the term ''active listening,'' the ancient sages of Talmudic Judaism taught it and practiced it. We would not want to have ourselves muted by another when we need to speak. Active listening is another way of loving our fellows as ourselves.

Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. Visit him at www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org.   Follow him on FaceBook at 'Arthur L Segal', on Twitter at RabbiASegal, or his blog at  http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com .  Email at RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net .

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL:JEWISH INTERFAITH WEDDINGS:BLUFFTON,SC; HILTON HEAD ISLAND,SC

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH INTERFAITH WEDDINGS: BLUFFTON,SC; HILTON HEAD ISLAND,SC

 

 

BLUFFTON,SC  SUN MAY 3, 2011

Shalom and peace:

We will continue today with Judaism's Derek Eretz, how we are to behave towards one another.

"Hate the expression: "And what of it?" (i.e., even of the most unimportant things you should not express yourself this way). ''

Now this was written circa 2000 plus years ago. How often do we hear folks today respond to other's issues with ''Too much information,'' or ''So what,'' or ''Whatever''? In fact all of these expressions translate to ''I don't care,'' or ''I don't have time for you.''

We are advised in Derek Eretz that we should ''hate'' these expressions, because even what seems unimportant to us, may be quite important to another person.

 

In Hebrew the word for mute (elem) and violence (alimut) have the same root. When we do not give ear to our friends concerns, when we mute them, we lead them to frustration and potential violence. How many times have we heard of or witnessed suicides, or attempts of such, with notes written stating that no one would listen to the suicidal person.

 

It is interesting to note, that modern Jewish ethical authorities, using ancient Talmudic maxims, have ruled that it is not in the best of Jewish behavior to ignore emails or even deny someone's ''friending'' on a social network. Just as we are taught to greet every person with a smile and warm ''shalom,'' with social media and email replacing the daily meeting of people in the market or on the street, we must respond to emails and friendship requests positively. Now of course, if one then abuses us, there are ways to block them on these networks.

 

Active listening is an act of ahavath chesed, loving kindness. Telling someone ''And what of it?'' or ''Whatever?'' trivializes their concerns and separates them from us.

 

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what he hears. The ability to listen actively can improve personal relationships through reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding.

When interacting, people often are not listening attentively. We may be distracted, thinking about other things, or thinking about what the other is going to say next (the latter case is particularly true in conflict situations or disagreements). Active listening is a structured way of listening and responding to others, focusing attention on the speaker. Suspending our own frame of reference, suspending judgment and avoiding other internal mental activities are important to fully attend to the speaker.

Active listening is putting aside ''self'' and ''selfishness'' and paying close attention not only to the words another is saying, but to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

While it was Dr. Thomas Gordon (USA 1918 -2002) who popularized the term ''active listening,'' the ancient sages of Talmudic Judaism taught it and practiced it. We would not want to have ourselves muted by another when we need to speak. Active listening is another way of loving our fellows as ourselves.

Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. Visit him at www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org.   Follow him on FaceBook at 'Arthur L Segal', on Twitter at RabbiASegal, or his blog at  http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com .  Email at RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net .

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

 

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL: DEREK ERETZ: FRIENDING ON FACEBOOK

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL: DEREK ERETZ: FRIENDING ON FACEBOOK

 

BLUFFTON SUN MAY 3, 2011

Shalom and peace:

We will continue today with Judaism's Derek Eretz, how we are to behave towards one another.

"Hate the expression: "And what of it?" (i.e., even of the most unimportant things you should not express yourself this way). ''

Now this was written circa 2000 plus years ago. How often do we hear folks today respond to other's issues with ''Too much information,'' or ''So what,'' or ''Whatever''? In fact all of these expressions translate to ''I don't care,'' or ''I don't have time for you.''

We are advised in Derek Eretz that we should ''hate'' these expressions, because even what seems unimportant to us, may be quite important to another person.

 

In Hebrew the word for mute (elem) and violence (alimut) have the same root. When we do not give ear to our friends concerns, when we mute them, we lead them to frustration and potential violence. How many times have we heard of or witnessed suicides, or attempts of such, with notes written stating that no one would listen to the suicidal person.

 

It is interesting to note, that modern Jewish ethical authorities, using ancient Talmudic maxims, have ruled that it is not in the best of Jewish behavior to ignore emails or even deny someone's ''friending'' on a social network. Just as we are taught to greet every person with a smile and warm ''shalom,'' with social media and email replacing the daily meeting of people in the market or on the street, we must respond to emails and friendship requests positively. Now of course, if one then abuses us, there are ways to block them on these networks.

 

Active listening is an act of ahavath chesed, loving kindness. Telling someone ''And what of it?'' or ''Whatever?'' trivializes their concerns and separates them from us.

 

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what he hears. The ability to listen actively can improve personal relationships through reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding.

When interacting, people often are not listening attentively. We may be distracted, thinking about other things, or thinking about what the other is going to say next (the latter case is particularly true in conflict situations or disagreements). Active listening is a structured way of listening and responding to others, focusing attention on the speaker. Suspending our own frame of reference, suspending judgment and avoiding other internal mental activities are important to fully attend to the speaker.

Active listening is putting aside ''self'' and ''selfishness'' and paying close attention not only to the words another is saying, but to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

While it was Dr. Thomas Gordon (USA 1918 -2002) who popularized the term ''active listening,'' the ancient sages of Talmudic Judaism taught it and practiced it. We would not want to have ourselves muted by another when we need to speak. Active listening is another way of loving our fellows as ourselves.

Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. Visit him at www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org.   Follow him on FaceBook at 'Arthur L Segal', on Twitter at RabbiASegal, or his blog at  http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com .  Email at RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net .

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

 

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUALITY: DEREK ERETZ: FRIENDING ON FACEBOOK

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUALITY: DEREK ERETZ: FRIENDING ON FACEBOOK

 

BLUFFTON SUN MAY 3, 2011

Shalom and peace:

We will continue today with Judaism's Derek Eretz, how we are to behave towards one another.

"Hate the expression: "And what of it?" (i.e., even of the most unimportant things you should not express yourself this way). ''

Now this was written circa 2000 plus years ago. How often do we hear folks today respond to other's issues with ''Too much information,'' or ''So what,'' or ''Whatever''? In fact all of these expressions translate to ''I don't care,'' or ''I don't have time for you.''

We are advised in Derek Eretz that we should ''hate'' these expressions, because even what seems unimportant to us, may be quite important to another person.

 

In Hebrew the word for mute (elem) and violence (alimut) have the same root. When we do not give ear to our friends concerns, when we mute them, we lead them to frustration and potential violence. How many times have we heard of or witnessed suicides, or attempts of such, with notes written stating that no one would listen to the suicidal person.

 

It is interesting to note, that modern Jewish ethical authorities, using ancient Talmudic maxims, have ruled that it is not in the best of Jewish behavior to ignore emails or even deny someone's ''friending'' on a social network. Just as we are taught to greet every person with a smile and warm ''shalom,'' with social media and email replacing the daily meeting of people in the market or on the street, we must respond to emails and friendship requests positively. Now of course, if one then abuses us, there are ways to block them on these networks.

 

Active listening is an act of ahavath chesed, loving kindness. Telling someone ''And what of it?'' or ''Whatever?'' trivializes their concerns and separates them from us.

 

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what he hears. The ability to listen actively can improve personal relationships through reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding.

When interacting, people often are not listening attentively. We may be distracted, thinking about other things, or thinking about what the other is going to say next (the latter case is particularly true in conflict situations or disagreements). Active listening is a structured way of listening and responding to others, focusing attention on the speaker. Suspending our own frame of reference, suspending judgment and avoiding other internal mental activities are important to fully attend to the speaker.

Active listening is putting aside ''self'' and ''selfishness'' and paying close attention not only to the words another is saying, but to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

While it was Dr. Thomas Gordon (USA 1918 -2002) who popularized the term ''active listening,'' the ancient sages of Talmudic Judaism taught it and practiced it. We would not want to have ourselves muted by another when we need to speak. Active listening is another way of loving our fellows as ourselves.

Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. Visit him at www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org.   Follow him on FaceBook at 'Arthur L Segal', on Twitter at RabbiASegal, or his blog at  http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com .  Email at RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net .

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

 

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: ECO-JUDAISM: DEREK ERETZ: FRIENDING ON FACEBOOK

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: ECO-JUDAISM: DEREK ERETZ: FRIENDING ON FACEBOOK

 

BLUFFTON  SUN MAY 3, 2011

Shalom and peace:

We will continue today with Judaism's Derek Eretz, how we are to behave towards one another.

"Hate the expression: "And what of it?" (i.e., even of the most unimportant things you should not express yourself this way). ''

Now this was written circa 2000 plus years ago. How often do we hear folks today respond to other's issues with ''Too much information,'' or ''So what,'' or ''Whatever''? In fact all of these expressions translate to ''I don't care,'' or ''I don't have time for you.''

We are advised in Derek Eretz that we should ''hate'' these expressions, because even what seems unimportant to us, may be quite important to another person.

 

In Hebrew the word for mute (elem) and violence (alimut) have the same root. When we do not give ear to our friends concerns, when we mute them, we lead them to frustration and potential violence. How many times have we heard of or witnessed suicides, or attempts of such, with notes written stating that no one would listen to the suicidal person.

 

It is interesting to note, that modern Jewish ethical authorities, using ancient Talmudic maxims, have ruled that it is not in the best of Jewish behavior to ignore emails or even deny someone's ''friending'' on a social network. Just as we are taught to greet every person with a smile and warm ''shalom,'' with social media and email replacing the daily meeting of people in the market or on the street, we must respond to emails and friendship requests positively. Now of course, if one then abuses us, there are ways to block them on these networks.

 

Active listening is an act of ahavath chesed, loving kindness. Telling someone ''And what of it?'' or ''Whatever?'' trivializes their concerns and separates them from us.

 

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what he hears. The ability to listen actively can improve personal relationships through reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding.

When interacting, people often are not listening attentively. We may be distracted, thinking about other things, or thinking about what the other is going to say next (the latter case is particularly true in conflict situations or disagreements). Active listening is a structured way of listening and responding to others, focusing attention on the speaker. Suspending our own frame of reference, suspending judgment and avoiding other internal mental activities are important to fully attend to the speaker.

Active listening is putting aside ''self'' and ''selfishness'' and paying close attention not only to the words another is saying, but to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

While it was Dr. Thomas Gordon (USA 1918 -2002) who popularized the term ''active listening,'' the ancient sages of Talmudic Judaism taught it and practiced it. We would not want to have ourselves muted by another when we need to speak. Active listening is another way of loving our fellows as ourselves.

Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. Visit him at www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org.   Follow him on FaceBook at 'Arthur L Segal', on Twitter at RabbiASegal, or his blog at  http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com .  Email at RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net .

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

 

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: ECO-JUDAISM: DEREK ERETZ: ACTIVE LISTENING

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: ECO-JUDAISM: DEREK ERETZ: ACTIVE LISTENING

 

BLUFFTON  SUN MAY 3, 2011

Shalom and peace:

We will continue today with Judaism's Derek Eretz, how we are to behave towards one another.

"Hate the expression: "And what of it?" (i.e., even of the most unimportant things you should not express yourself this way). ''

Now this was written circa 2000 plus years ago. How often do we hear folks today respond to other's issues with ''Too much information,'' or ''So what,'' or ''Whatever''? In fact all of these expressions translate to ''I don't care,'' or ''I don't have time for you.''

We are advised in Derek Eretz that we should ''hate'' these expressions, because even what seems unimportant to us, may be quite important to another person.

 

In Hebrew the word for mute (elem) and violence (alimut) have the same root. When we do not give ear to our friends concerns, when we mute them, we lead them to frustration and potential violence. How many times have we heard of or witnessed suicides, or attempts of such, with notes written stating that no one would listen to the suicidal person.

 

It is interesting to note, that modern Jewish ethical authorities, using ancient Talmudic maxims, have ruled that it is not in the best of Jewish behavior to ignore emails or even deny someone's ''friending'' on a social network. Just as we are taught to greet every person with a smile and warm ''shalom,'' with social media and email replacing the daily meeting of people in the market or on the street, we must respond to emails and friendship requests positively. Now of course, if one then abuses us, there are ways to block them on these networks.

 

Active listening is an act of ahavath chesed, loving kindness. Telling someone ''And what of it?'' or ''Whatever?'' trivializes their concerns and separates them from us.

 

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what he hears. The ability to listen actively can improve personal relationships through reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding.

When interacting, people often are not listening attentively. We may be distracted, thinking about other things, or thinking about what the other is going to say next (the latter case is particularly true in conflict situations or disagreements). Active listening is a structured way of listening and responding to others, focusing attention on the speaker. Suspending our own frame of reference, suspending judgment and avoiding other internal mental activities are important to fully attend to the speaker.

Active listening is putting aside ''self'' and ''selfishness'' and paying close attention not only to the words another is saying, but to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

While it was Dr. Thomas Gordon (USA 1918 -2002) who popularized the term ''active listening,'' the ancient sages of Talmudic Judaism taught it and practiced it. We would not want to have ourselves muted by another when we need to speak. Active listening is another way of loving our fellows as ourselves.

Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. Visit him at www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org.   Follow him on FaceBook at 'Arthur L Segal', on Twitter at RabbiASegal, or his blog at  http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com .  Email at RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net .

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

 

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUALITY: DEREK ERETZ: ACTIVE LISTENING

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUALITY: DEREK ERETZ: ACTIVE LISTENING

 

BLUFFTON  SUN MAY 3, 2011

Shalom and peace:

We will continue today with Judaism's Derek Eretz, how we are to behave towards one another.

"Hate the expression: "And what of it?" (i.e., even of the most unimportant things you should not express yourself this way). ''

Now this was written circa 2000 plus years ago. How often do we hear folks today respond to other's issues with ''Too much information,'' or ''So what,'' or ''Whatever''? In fact all of these expressions translate to ''I don't care,'' or ''I don't have time for you.''

We are advised in Derek Eretz that we should ''hate'' these expressions, because even what seems unimportant to us, may be quite important to another person.

 

In Hebrew the word for mute (elem) and violence (alimut) have the same root. When we do not give ear to our friends concerns, when we mute them, we lead them to frustration and potential violence. How many times have we heard of or witnessed suicides, or attempts of such, with notes written stating that no one would listen to the suicidal person.

 

It is interesting to note, that modern Jewish ethical authorities, using ancient Talmudic maxims, have ruled that it is not in the best of Jewish behavior to ignore emails or even deny someone's ''friending'' on a social network. Just as we are taught to greet every person with a smile and warm ''shalom,'' with social media and email replacing the daily meeting of people in the market or on the street, we must respond to emails and friendship requests positively. Now of course, if one then abuses us, there are ways to block them on these networks.

 

Active listening is an act of ahavath chesed, loving kindness. Telling someone ''And what of it?'' or ''Whatever?'' trivializes their concerns and separates them from us.

 

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what he hears. The ability to listen actively can improve personal relationships through reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding.

When interacting, people often are not listening attentively. We may be distracted, thinking about other things, or thinking about what the other is going to say next (the latter case is particularly true in conflict situations or disagreements). Active listening is a structured way of listening and responding to others, focusing attention on the speaker. Suspending our own frame of reference, suspending judgment and avoiding other internal mental activities are important to fully attend to the speaker.

Active listening is putting aside ''self'' and ''selfishness'' and paying close attention not only to the words another is saying, but to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

While it was Dr. Thomas Gordon (USA 1918 -2002) who popularized the term ''active listening,'' the ancient sages of Talmudic Judaism taught it and practiced it. We would not want to have ourselves muted by another when we need to speak. Active listening is another way of loving our fellows as ourselves.

Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. Visit him at www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org.   Follow him on FaceBook at 'Arthur L Segal', on Twitter at RabbiASegal, or his blog at  http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com .  Email at RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net .

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

 

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL: DEREK ERETZ: ACTIVE LISTENING

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH   RENEWAL: DEREK ERETZ: ACTIVE LISTENING

 

BLUFFTON  SUN MAY 3, 2011

Shalom and peace:

We will continue today with Judaism's Derek Eretz, how we are to behave towards one another.

"Hate the expression: "And what of it?" (i.e., even of the most unimportant things you should not express yourself this way). ''

Now this was written circa 2000 plus years ago. How often do we hear folks today respond to other's issues with ''Too much information,'' or ''So what,'' or ''Whatever''? In fact all of these expressions translate to ''I don't care,'' or ''I don't have time for you.''

We are advised in Derek Eretz that we should ''hate'' these expressions, because even what seems unimportant to us, may be quite important to another person.

 

In Hebrew the word for mute (elem) and violence (alimut) have the same root. When we do not give ear to our friends concerns, when we mute them, we lead them to frustration and potential violence. How many times have we heard of or witnessed suicides, or attempts of such, with notes written stating that no one would listen to the suicidal person.

 

It is interesting to note, that modern Jewish ethical authorities, using ancient Talmudic maxims, have ruled that it is not in the best of Jewish behavior to ignore emails or even deny someone's ''friending'' on a social network. Just as we are taught to greet every person with a smile and warm ''shalom,'' with social media and email replacing the daily meeting of people in the market or on the street, we must respond to emails and friendship requests positively. Now of course, if one then abuses us, there are ways to block them on these networks.

 

Active listening is an act of ahavath chesed, loving kindness. Telling someone ''And what of it?'' or ''Whatever?'' trivializes their concerns and separates them from us.

 

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what he hears. The ability to listen actively can improve personal relationships through reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding.

When interacting, people often are not listening attentively. We may be distracted, thinking about other things, or thinking about what the other is going to say next (the latter case is particularly true in conflict situations or disagreements). Active listening is a structured way of listening and responding to others, focusing attention on the speaker. Suspending our own frame of reference, suspending judgment and avoiding other internal mental activities are important to fully attend to the speaker.

Active listening is putting aside ''self'' and ''selfishness'' and paying close attention not only to the words another is saying, but to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

While it was Dr. Thomas Gordon (USA 1918 -2002) who popularized the term ''active listening,'' the ancient sages of Talmudic Judaism taught it and practiced it. We would not want to have ourselves muted by another when we need to speak. Active listening is another way of loving our fellows as ourselves.

Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. Visit him at www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org.   Follow him on FaceBook at 'Arthur L Segal', on Twitter at RabbiASegal, or his blog at  http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com .  Email at RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net .

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA

 

Rabbi Arthur Segal www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Via Shamash Org on-line class service
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA