RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL :bearing wrongs done to us

 

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL :bearing wrongs done to us

 

Jewish Spiritual Renewal: Derek Eretz Zuta + Rabbah: Shabbat 10/30/10

(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:

 

We continue with our exploration into the Talmudic Tractates of Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. (aka Derech Eretz), For those new to the class, Baruch ha Ba! Welcome! You can access last week's class  at

Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL : Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav : MUSSAR GROWTH  or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2010/10/rabbi-arthur-segal-jewish-renewal-rabbi.html  . From there you will find a link to preceding  classes in this new series.

 

 

So. together we continue:

TALMUD BAVLI TRACTATE DEREK

ERETZ ZUTA.

(aka Derech Eretz)

CHAPTER I.

1. The qualities of the sages are: Modesty, meekness, eagerness, courage,  bearing wrongs done to them,and being endeared to every one; submission to the members of their household, fear of sin, and judging every one according to his deeds.

In our last classes, we discussed Modesty , Humility,  Meekness, Eagerness and Eagerness. Today I invite you to explore with me the middah,  trait,  of  bearing wrongs done to us.

As we discussed in the first class, and this is for the benefit of those new to the class, Judaism calls the ethical behavior that is expected from one person to another Derek Eretz. Literally this means '' the way of the land.''  It means behaving appropriately as one mindfully walks with God . Two Tractates of Talmud are devoted to this: Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. Zuta means small in Aramaic and Rabbah means big. We have seen Rabbah used when we say Todah Rabbah (thanks a lot) to someone, or in the Midrash Rabbah (the Great Midrash). The word Zuta we do not often see used and has become archaic.  

 

Another Hebrew word used is Mussar. In modern parlance it means self- improvement : spiritual and ethical personal growth.

 

I have heard many times that Judaism is a ''legalistic religion'' while one of the USA's major religions is a ''way of love.'' While Judaism certainly has its rules, stemming from its Hebraic roots, all of Torah, and Talmud is to teach loving kindness. The Talmud Tractate Beracoth is clear  that any Rabbinic commandment asking us to do some ritual,  must be waved for the honor and feelings of another. Love of God is to lead us to love of all of our fellows.

 

It is easy to love our neighbor when all is going well. But how do we love our neighbor who mows his lawn at 6 AM on a Sunday? The answer is in Leviticus 19: 17-18. When we are told not to hate, not to revenge, not to  resent, but to love, and to gently instruct when someone is on the wrong path, the verse ends with "I am God." It   is only via God's love, that we are able to love all, even those folks who annoy us.

 

The Talmud via Rabbi Akiva states that the two most important commandments are love of one's fellow and love of God. The Talmud's Rabbi Hillel defines a behavior pattern to lead us to love and not to hate: ''What is hateful unto you, do not do to your fellows.''  This lead to compiling  rules of Derek Eretz , how we relate to each other.

 

"Whether a man really loves the Divine can be determined by the love he bears toward his fellow men." Rebbe Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, Poland (1740-1810). We have all seen others, even in ourselves, even in myself if I am not 100% God-conscious and connected, how we can be at synagogues, praying to God, or sending email ditties telling our friends to 'trust in Ha Shem,' or all holding hands singing Heni Ma Tovu (How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) dwell in unity), and then drive by ignoring someone with a flat tire, or do lashon ha ra about someone, or even have one rabbi ignore or slander another. The real test to see how one loves God, is to see how one loves and treats all of his or her fellows. Its easy to be nice to someone we like. When we can love a person who rubs us the wrong way then we know we have listened to that ''still small voice", that eternal spark of the Divine, inside all of us.

 

The Midrash teaches:  All Jews are ma'aminim b'nei ma'aminim, believers who are descendants of believers, but most important is not faith itself, but actions which point to one's faith.

 

Some more Midrash:  D'Vei Eliyahu Rabbah (ch. 28) states: The Holy One, Blessed is He, said to Israel: My beloved children! Is there anything I lack that I should have to ask of you? All I ask of you is that you love one another, that you honor one another, that you respect one another. In this way, no sin, robbery, or base deed will be found among you, so that you will remain undefiled forever. Thus it is written, "He has told you, O man, what is good, and what Ha Shem seeks of you — only the doing of justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with Ha Shem, your God" (Mic: 6:8).

 

Some Kabbalah from the Zohar Genesis on Parasha Mikeitz  201b : Not only did Yosef not repay his brothers in kind [for their having sold him], but he acted toward them with kindness and truth. Such is always the way of the righteous. Therefore, the Holy One, Blessed is He, forever watches over them, in this world and in the next.

 

The Torah tells us: Lev: 19:18 : "You shall not take revenge and you shall not bear a grudge ; you shall love your fellow as yourself."  If it happens that one's fellow acted improperly towards us, we must not take revenge or bear a grudge. Rather, we must erase the matter from our heart, and seek to do good in every way with that person, just as he would with any other person, as if nothing negative had ever come between us. This is what Judaism requires of us. To do anything less, is not Judaic, and shows us spiritually disconnected from God.

 

This is why each of us each night is to do the bed time Shema. I have been doing it for years, and it has help change me. I sleep like a log. Why go to bed, or walk around each day, having someone in our heads, not paying rent? Why keep a grudge when its only going to be an acid eating away at the container (us)?

 

The first paragraph of the Bedtime Shema is:'' Master of the universe, I hereby forgive anyone who angered or antagonized me or who sinned against me — whether against my body, my property, my honor or against anything of mine; whether he did so accidentally, willfully, carelessly, or purposely; whether through speech, deed, thought, or notion; whether in this transmigration or another transmigration. May no man be punished because of me. May it will be Your will, Ha Shem, my God and the God of my forefathers, that I may sin no more. Whatever sins I have done before You, may You blot out in Your abundant mercies, but not through suffering or bad illnesses. May the expressions of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart find favor before You, Ha Shem, my Rock and my Redeemer.''  The last line is from the TaNaK: Psalms 19:15.   THE BEDTIME SHEMA

 

It is only in the 3rd paragraph that we say the actual Shema acknowledging God as One. As we have shown over and over in last year's class on Jewish ethics and spirituality, it is our relationship with others, the man to man mitzvoth, that takes precedence over the man to God mitzvoth.

 

Judaism's Derek Eretz teaches us to try to live by these  wonderful guidelines:

 

"If others speak evil of you let the worst thing said seem unimportant in your eyes; but if you have spoken evil of others, let the least word of it seem important.

If you have done much good, let it seem little in your eyes, and say: 'Not of mine own have I done  this, but of that good which has come to me through others.' However, let a small kindness done to you appear great." (Talmud Tractate Bavli Derek Eretz Zuta).

 

We discuss exactly how to rid our selves of grudges and resentments and learn to bear wrongs done to us, in Chapter Four of The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew
.

 

What are your ideas about bearing wrongs ? How does living a life without revenge or resentments play a role in your spiritual life? How have you combated your desire to hold grudges or to seek revenge?

 

Next week, Baruch ha Shem, we will continue with Derek Eretz Zuta, 1:1. [Derech Eretz Zuta]

For those who want a d'var Torah on Parasha Chayei Sarah 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 : CHUMASH CANDESCENCE: PARASHA CHAYEI SARAH: GENESIS 23:01-25:18  or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2008/02/chumash-candescence-parasha-chayei.html .

 

Shabbat 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 SPIRITUALRENEWAL 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/

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH LIFE CYCLE EVENTS: CO- OFFICIATE: BLUFFTON, SC

 

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH LIFE CYCLE EVENTS: CO- OFFICIATE: BLUFFTON, SC

 

Jewish Spiritual Renewal: Derek Eretz Zuta + Rabbah: Shabbat 10/30/10

(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:

 

We continue with our exploration into the Talmudic Tractates of Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. (aka Derech Eretz), For those new to the class, Baruch ha Ba! Welcome! You can access last week's class  at

Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL : Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav : MUSSAR GROWTH  or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2010/10/rabbi-arthur-segal-jewish-renewal-rabbi.html  . From there you will find a link to preceding  classes in this new series.

 

 

So. together we continue:

TALMUD BAVLI TRACTATE DEREK

ERETZ ZUTA.

(aka Derech Eretz)

CHAPTER I.

1. The qualities of the sages are: Modesty, meekness, eagerness, courage,  bearing wrongs done to them,and being endeared to every one; submission to the members of their household, fear of sin, and judging every one according to his deeds.

In our last classes, we discussed Modesty , Humility,  Meekness, Eagerness and Courage. Today I invite you to explore with me the middah,  trait,  of  bearing wrongs done to us.

As we discussed in the first class, and this is for the benefit of those new to the class, Judaism calls the ethical behavior that is expected from one person to another Derek Eretz. Literally this means '' the way of the land.''  It means behaving appropriately as one mindfully walks with God . Two Tractates of Talmud are devoted to this: Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. Zuta means small in Aramaic and Rabbah means big. We have seen Rabbah used when we say Todah Rabbah (thanks a lot) to someone, or in the Midrash Rabbah (the Great Midrash). The word Zuta we do not often see used and has become archaic.  

 

Another Hebrew word used is Mussar. In modern parlance it means self- improvement : spiritual and ethical personal growth.

 

I have heard many times that Judaism is a ''legalistic religion'' while one of the USA's major religions is a ''way of love.'' While Judaism certainly has its rules, stemming from its Hebraic roots, all of Torah, and Talmud is to teach loving kindness. The Talmud Tractate Beracoth is clear  that any Rabbinic commandment asking us to do some ritual,  must be waved for the honor and feelings of another. Love of God is to lead us to love of all of our fellows.

 

It is easy to love our neighbor when all is going well. But how do we love our neighbor who mows his lawn at 6 AM on a Sunday? The answer is in Leviticus 19: 17-18. When we are told not to hate, not to revenge, not to  resent, but to love, and to gently instruct when someone is on the wrong path, the verse ends with "I am God." It   is only via God's love, that we are able to love all, even those folks who annoy us.

 

The Talmud via Rabbi Akiva states that the two most important commandments are love of one's fellow and love of God. The Talmud's Rabbi Hillel defines a behavior pattern to lead us to love and not to hate: ''What is hateful unto you, do not do to your fellows.''  This lead to compiling  rules of Derek Eretz , how we relate to each other.

 

"Whether a man really loves the Divine can be determined by the love he bears toward his fellow men." Rebbe Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, Poland (1740-1810). We have all seen others, even in ourselves, even in myself if I am not 100% God-conscious and connected, how we can be at synagogues, praying to God, or sending email ditties telling our friends to 'trust in Ha Shem,' or all holding hands singing Heni Ma Tovu (How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) dwell in unity), and then drive by ignoring someone with a flat tire, or do lashon ha ra about someone, or even have one rabbi ignore or slander another. The real test to see how one loves God, is to see how one loves and treats all of his or her fellows. Its easy to be nice to someone we like. When we can love a person who rubs us the wrong way then we know we have listened to that ''still small voice", that eternal spark of the Divine, inside all of us.

 

The Midrash teaches:  All Jews are ma'aminim b'nei ma'aminim, believers who are descendants of believers, but most important is not faith itself, but actions which point to one's faith.

 

Some more Midrash:  D'Vei Eliyahu Rabbah (ch. 28) states: The Holy One, Blessed is He, said to Israel: My beloved children! Is there anything I lack that I should have to ask of you? All I ask of you is that you love one another, that you honor one another, that you respect one another. In this way, no sin, robbery, or base deed will be found among you, so that you will remain undefiled forever. Thus it is written, "He has told you, O man, what is good, and what Ha Shem seeks of you — only the doing of justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with Ha Shem, your God" (Mic: 6:8).

 

Some Kabbalah from the Zohar Genesis on Parasha Mikeitz  201b : Not only did Yosef not repay his brothers in kind [for their having sold him], but he acted toward them with kindness and truth. Such is always the way of the righteous. Therefore, the Holy One, Blessed is He, forever watches over them, in this world and in the next.

 

The Torah tells us: Lev: 19:18 : "You shall not take revenge and you shall not bear a grudge ; you shall love your fellow as yourself."  If it happens that one's fellow acted improperly towards us, we must not take revenge or bear a grudge. Rather, we must erase the matter from our heart, and seek to do good in every way with that person, just as he would with any other person, as if nothing negative had ever come between us. This is what Judaism requires of us. To do anything less, is not Judaic, and shows us spiritually disconnected from God.

 

This is why each of us each night is to do the bed time Shema. I have been doing it for years, and it has help change me. I sleep like a log. Why go to bed, or walk around each day, having someone in our heads, not paying rent? Why keep a grudge when its only going to be an acid eating away at the container (us)?

 

The first paragraph of the Bedtime Shema is:'' Master of the universe, I hereby forgive anyone who angered or antagonized me or who sinned against me — whether against my body, my property, my honor or against anything of mine; whether he did so accidentally, willfully, carelessly, or purposely; whether through speech, deed, thought, or notion; whether in this transmigration or another transmigration. May no man be punished because of me. May it will be Your will, Ha Shem, my God and the God of my forefathers, that I may sin no more. Whatever sins I have done before You, may You blot out in Your abundant mercies, but not through suffering or bad illnesses. May the expressions of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart find favor before You, Ha Shem, my Rock and my Redeemer.''  The last line is from the TaNaK: Psalms 19:15.   THE BEDTIME SHEMA

 

It is only in the 3rd paragraph that we say the actual Shema acknowledging God as One. As we have shown over and over in last year's class on Jewish ethics and spirituality, it is our relationship with others, the man to man mitzvoth, that takes precedence over the man to God mitzvoth.

 

Judaism's Derek Eretz teaches us to try to live by these  wonderful guidelines:

 

"If others speak evil of you let the worst thing said seem unimportant in your eyes; but if you have spoken evil of others, let the least word of it seem important.

If you have done much good, let it seem little in your eyes, and say: 'Not of mine own have I done  this, but of that good which has come to me through others.' However, let a small kindness done to you appear great." (Talmud Tractate Bavli Derek Eretz Zuta).

 

We discuss exactly how to rid our selves of grudges and resentments and learn to bear wrongs done to us, in Chapter Four of The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew
.

 

What are your ideas about bearing wrongs ? How does living a life without revenge or resentments play a role in your spiritual life? How have you combated your desire to hold grudges or to seek revenge?

 

Next week, Baruch ha Shem, we will continue with Derek Eretz Zuta, 1:1. [Derech Eretz Zuta]

For those who want a d'var Torah on Parasha Chayei Sarah 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 : CHUMASH CANDESCENCE: PARASHA CHAYEI SARAH: GENESIS 23:01-25:18  or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2008/02/chumash-candescence-parasha-chayei.html .

 

Shabbat 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 SPIRITUALRENEWAL 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/

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH LIFE CYCLE EVENTS: CO- OFFICIATE: HILTON HEAD, SC

 

 

Jewish Spiritual Renewal: Derek Eretz Zuta + Rabbah: Shabbat 10/30/10

(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:

 

We continue with our exploration into the Talmudic Tractates of Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. (aka Derech Eretz), For those new to the class, Baruch ha Ba! Welcome! You can access last week's class  at

Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL : Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav : MUSSAR GROWTH  or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2010/10/rabbi-arthur-segal-jewish-renewal-rabbi.html  . From there you will find a link to preceding  classes in this new series.

 

 

So. together we continue:

TALMUD BAVLI TRACTATE DEREK

ERETZ ZUTA.

(aka Derech Eretz)

CHAPTER I.

1. The qualities of the sages are: Modesty, meekness, eagerness, courage,  bearing wrongs done to them,and being endeared to every one; submission to the members of their household, fear of sin, and judging every one according to his deeds.

In our last classes, we discussed Modesty , Humility,  Meekness, Eagerness and Courage. Today I invite you to explore with me the middah,  trait,  of  bearing wrongs done to us.

As we discussed in the first class, and this is for the benefit of those new to the class, Judaism calls the ethical behavior that is expected from one person to another Derek Eretz. Literally this means '' the way of the land.''  It means behaving appropriately as one mindfully walks with God . Two Tractates of Talmud are devoted to this: Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. Zuta means small in Aramaic and Rabbah means big. We have seen Rabbah used when we say Todah Rabbah (thanks a lot) to someone, or in the Midrash Rabbah (the Great Midrash). The word Zuta we do not often see used and has become archaic.  

 

Another Hebrew word used is Mussar. In modern parlance it means self- improvement : spiritual and ethical personal growth.

 

I have heard many times that Judaism is a ''legalistic religion'' while one of the USA's major religions is a ''way of love.'' While Judaism certainly has its rules, stemming from its Hebraic roots, all of Torah, and Talmud is to teach loving kindness. The Talmud Tractate Beracoth is clear  that any Rabbinic commandment asking us to do some ritual,  must be waved for the honor and feelings of another. Love of God is to lead us to love of all of our fellows.

 

It is easy to love our neighbor when all is going well. But how do we love our neighbor who mows his lawn at 6 AM on a Sunday? The answer is in Leviticus 19: 17-18. When we are told not to hate, not to revenge, not to  resent, but to love, and to gently instruct when someone is on the wrong path, the verse ends with "I am God." It   is only via God's love, that we are able to love all, even those folks who annoy us.

 

The Talmud via Rabbi Akiva states that the two most important commandments are love of one's fellow and love of God. The Talmud's Rabbi Hillel defines a behavior pattern to lead us to love and not to hate: ''What is hateful unto you, do not do to your fellows.''  This lead to compiling  rules of Derek Eretz , how we relate to each other.

 

"Whether a man really loves the Divine can be determined by the love he bears toward his fellow men." Rebbe Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, Poland (1740-1810). We have all seen others, even in ourselves, even in myself if I am not 100% God-conscious and connected, how we can be at synagogues, praying to God, or sending email ditties telling our friends to 'trust in Ha Shem,' or all holding hands singing Heni Ma Tovu (How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) dwell in unity), and then drive by ignoring someone with a flat tire, or do lashon ha ra about someone, or even have one rabbi ignore or slander another. The real test to see how one loves God, is to see how one loves and treats all of his or her fellows. Its easy to be nice to someone we like. When we can love a person who rubs us the wrong way then we know we have listened to that ''still small voice", that eternal spark of the Divine, inside all of us.

 

The Midrash teaches:  All Jews are ma'aminim b'nei ma'aminim, believers who are descendants of believers, but most important is not faith itself, but actions which point to one's faith.

 

Some more Midrash:  D'Vei Eliyahu Rabbah (ch. 28) states: The Holy One, Blessed is He, said to Israel: My beloved children! Is there anything I lack that I should have to ask of you? All I ask of you is that you love one another, that you honor one another, that you respect one another. In this way, no sin, robbery, or base deed will be found among you, so that you will remain undefiled forever. Thus it is written, "He has told you, O man, what is good, and what Ha Shem seeks of you — only the doing of justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with Ha Shem, your God" (Mic: 6:8).

 

Some Kabbalah from the Zohar Genesis on Parasha Mikeitz  201b : Not only did Yosef not repay his brothers in kind [for their having sold him], but he acted toward them with kindness and truth. Such is always the way of the righteous. Therefore, the Holy One, Blessed is He, forever watches over them, in this world and in the next.

 

The Torah tells us: Lev: 19:18 : "You shall not take revenge and you shall not bear a grudge ; you shall love your fellow as yourself."  If it happens that one's fellow acted improperly towards us, we must not take revenge or bear a grudge. Rather, we must erase the matter from our heart, and seek to do good in every way with that person, just as he would with any other person, as if nothing negative had ever come between us. This is what Judaism requires of us. To do anything less, is not Judaic, and shows us spiritually disconnected from God.

 

This is why each of us each night is to do the bed time Shema. I have been doing it for years, and it has help change me. I sleep like a log. Why go to bed, or walk around each day, having someone in our heads, not paying rent? Why keep a grudge when its only going to be an acid eating away at the container (us)?

 

The first paragraph of the Bedtime Shema is:'' Master of the universe, I hereby forgive anyone who angered or antagonized me or who sinned against me — whether against my body, my property, my honor or against anything of mine; whether he did so accidentally, willfully, carelessly, or purposely; whether through speech, deed, thought, or notion; whether in this transmigration or another transmigration. May no man be punished because of me. May it will be Your will, Ha Shem, my God and the God of my forefathers, that I may sin no more. Whatever sins I have done before You, may You blot out in Your abundant mercies, but not through suffering or bad illnesses. May the expressions of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart find favor before You, Ha Shem, my Rock and my Redeemer.''  The last line is from the TaNaK: Psalms 19:15.   THE BEDTIME SHEMA

 

It is only in the 3rd paragraph that we say the actual Shema acknowledging God as One. As we have shown over and over in last year's class on Jewish ethics and spirituality, it is our relationship with others, the man to man mitzvoth, that takes precedence over the man to God mitzvoth.

 

Judaism's Derek Eretz teaches us to try to live by these  wonderful guidelines:

 

"If others speak evil of you let the worst thing said seem unimportant in your eyes; but if you have spoken evil of others, let the least word of it seem important.

If you have done much good, let it seem little in your eyes, and say: 'Not of mine own have I done  this, but of that good which has come to me through others.' However, let a small kindness done to you appear great." (Talmud Tractate Bavli Derek Eretz Zuta).

 

We discuss exactly how to rid our selves of grudges and resentments and learn to bear wrongs done to us, in Chapter Four of The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew
.

 

What are your ideas about bearing wrongs ? How does living a life without revenge or resentments play a role in your spiritual life? How have you combated your desire to hold grudges or to seek revenge?

 

Next week, Baruch ha Shem, we will continue with Derek Eretz Zuta, 1:1. [Derech Eretz Zuta]

For those who want a d'var Torah on Parasha Chayei Sarah 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 : CHUMASH CANDESCENCE: PARASHA CHAYEI SARAH: GENESIS 23:01-25:18  or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2008/02/chumash-candescence-parasha-chayei.html .

 

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

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RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH DESTINATION WEDDING: CO- OFFICIATE: HITLON HEAD, SC

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH DESTINATION WEDDING: CO- OFFICIATE: HITLON HEAD, SC 

 

Jewish Spiritual Renewal: Derek Eretz Zuta + Rabbah: Shabbat 10/30/10

(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:

 

We continue with our exploration into the Talmudic Tractates of Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. (aka Derech Eretz), For those new to the class, Baruch ha Ba! Welcome! You can access last week's class  at

Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL : Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav : MUSSAR GROWTH  or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2010/10/rabbi-arthur-segal-jewish-renewal-rabbi.html  . From there you will find a link to preceding  classes in this new series.

 

 

So. together we continue:

TALMUD BAVLI TRACTATE DEREK

ERETZ ZUTA.

(aka Derech Eretz)

CHAPTER I.

1. The qualities of the sages are: Modesty, meekness, eagerness, courage,  bearing wrongs done to them,and being endeared to every one; submission to the members of their household, fear of sin, and judging every one according to his deeds.

In our last classes, we discussed Modesty , Humility,  Meekness, Eagerness and Eagerness. Today I invite you to explore with me the middah,  trait,  of  bearing wrongs done to us.

As we discussed in the first class, and this is for the benefit of those new to the class, Judaism calls the ethical behavior that is expected from one person to another Derek Eretz. Literally this means '' the way of the land.''  It means behaving appropriately as one mindfully walks with God . Two Tractates of Talmud are devoted to this: Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. Zuta means small in Aramaic and Rabbah means big. We have seen Rabbah used when we say Todah Rabbah (thanks a lot) to someone, or in the Midrash Rabbah (the Great Midrash). The word Zuta we do not often see used and has become archaic.  

 

Another Hebrew word used is Mussar. In modern parlance it means self- improvement : spiritual and ethical personal growth.

 

I have heard many times that Judaism is a ''legalistic religion'' while one of the USA's major religions is a ''way of love.'' While Judaism certainly has its rules, stemming from its Hebraic roots, all of Torah, and Talmud is to teach loving kindness. The Talmud Tractate Beracoth is clear  that any Rabbinic commandment asking us to do some ritual,  must be waved for the honor and feelings of another. Love of God is to lead us to love of all of our fellows.

 

It is easy to love our neighbor when all is going well. But how do we love our neighbor who mows his lawn at 6 AM on a Sunday? The answer is in Leviticus 19: 17-18. When we are told not to hate, not to revenge, not to  resent, but to love, and to gently instruct when someone is on the wrong path, the verse ends with "I am God." It   is only via God's love, that we are able to love all, even those folks who annoy us.

 

The Talmud via Rabbi Akiva states that the two most important commandments are love of one's fellow and love of God. The Talmud's Rabbi Hillel defines a behavior pattern to lead us to love and not to hate: ''What is hateful unto you, do not do to your fellows.''  This lead to compiling  rules of Derek Eretz , how we relate to each other.

 

"Whether a man really loves the Divine can be determined by the love he bears toward his fellow men." Rebbe Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, Poland (1740-1810). We have all seen others, even in ourselves, even in myself if I am not 100% God-conscious and connected, how we can be at synagogues, praying to God, or sending email ditties telling our friends to 'trust in Ha Shem,' or all holding hands singing Heni Ma Tovu (How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) dwell in unity), and then drive by ignoring someone with a flat tire, or do lashon ha ra about someone, or even have one rabbi ignore or slander another. The real test to see how one loves God, is to see how one loves and treats all of his or her fellows. Its easy to be nice to someone we like. When we can love a person who rubs us the wrong way then we know we have listened to that ''still small voice", that eternal spark of the Divine, inside all of us.

 

The Midrash teaches:  All Jews are ma'aminim b'nei ma'aminim, believers who are descendants of believers, but most important is not faith itself, but actions which point to one's faith.

 

Some more Midrash:  D'Vei Eliyahu Rabbah (ch. 28) states: The Holy One, Blessed is He, said to Israel: My beloved children! Is there anything I lack that I should have to ask of you? All I ask of you is that you love one another, that you honor one another, that you respect one another. In this way, no sin, robbery, or base deed will be found among you, so that you will remain undefiled forever. Thus it is written, "He has told you, O man, what is good, and what Ha Shem seeks of you — only the doing of justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with Ha Shem, your God" (Mic: 6:8).

 

Some Kabbalah from the Zohar Genesis on Parasha Mikeitz  201b : Not only did Yosef not repay his brothers in kind [for their having sold him], but he acted toward them with kindness and truth. Such is always the way of the righteous. Therefore, the Holy One, Blessed is He, forever watches over them, in this world and in the next.

 

The Torah tells us: Lev: 19:18 : "You shall not take revenge and you shall not bear a grudge ; you shall love your fellow as yourself."  If it happens that one's fellow acted improperly towards us, we must not take revenge or bear a grudge. Rather, we must erase the matter from our heart, and seek to do good in every way with that person, just as he would with any other person, as if nothing negative had ever come between us. This is what Judaism requires of us. To do anything less, is not Judaic, and shows us spiritually disconnected from God.

 

This is why each of us each night is to do the bed time Shema. I have been doing it for years, and it has help change me. I sleep like a log. Why go to bed, or walk around each day, having someone in our heads, not paying rent? Why keep a grudge when its only going to be an acid eating away at the container (us)?

 

The first paragraph of the Bedtime Shema is:'' Master of the universe, I hereby forgive anyone who angered or antagonized me or who sinned against me — whether against my body, my property, my honor or against anything of mine; whether he did so accidentally, willfully, carelessly, or purposely; whether through speech, deed, thought, or notion; whether in this transmigration or another transmigration. May no man be punished because of me. May it will be Your will, Ha Shem, my God and the God of my forefathers, that I may sin no more. Whatever sins I have done before You, may You blot out in Your abundant mercies, but not through suffering or bad illnesses. May the expressions of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart find favor before You, Ha Shem, my Rock and my Redeemer.''  The last line is from the TaNaK: Psalms 19:15.   THE BEDTIME SHEMA

 

It is only in the 3rd paragraph that we say the actual Shema acknowledging God as One. As we have shown over and over in last year's class on Jewish ethics and spirituality, it is our relationship with others, the man to man mitzvoth, that takes precedence over the man to God mitzvoth.

 

Judaism's Derek Eretz teaches us to try to live by these  wonderful guidelines:

 

"If others speak evil of you let the worst thing said seem unimportant in your eyes; but if you have spoken evil of others, let the least word of it seem important.

If you have done much good, let it seem little in your eyes, and say: 'Not of mine own have I done  this, but of that good which has come to me through others.' However, let a small kindness done to you appear great." (Talmud Tractate Bavli Derek Eretz Zuta).

 

We discuss exactly how to rid our selves of grudges and resentments and learn to bear wrongs done to us, in Chapter Four of The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew
.

 

What are your ideas about bearing wrongs ? How does living a life without revenge or resentments play a role in your spiritual life? How have you combated your desire to hold grudges or to seek revenge?

 

Next week, Baruch ha Shem, we will continue with Derek Eretz Zuta, 1:1. [Derech Eretz Zuta]

For those who want a d'var Torah on Parasha Chayei Sarah 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 : CHUMASH CANDESCENCE: PARASHA CHAYEI SARAH: GENESIS 23:01-25:18  or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2008/02/chumash-candescence-parasha-chayei.html .

 

Shabbat 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!

 

 

---

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RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: COUSINS MOSHE AND ZORI GAT, WITH BEN GURION, ISRAEL, 1963

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: COUSINS MOSHE  GAT AND ZORI GAT, WITH DAVID BEN GURION, ISRAEL, 1963

 

 

My cousin  Yuval Gat sent this photo of his father Moshe Gat and his sister, Zori, (Moshe's daughter), with Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion.  And Yuval has a new grand baby.  Mozel tov!  Am Israel chai!! The photo was taken in Israel in 1963 and was sent to me by my sister, Sharon K. Segal.

 

 

 

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!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Women of the Wall: WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN JUDAISM

 RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Women of the Wall: WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN JUDAISM

 

 I   stand with Women of the Wall

Shalom,


We call upon you, the government of Israel, your leaders, your courts and your rabbinic officials to open your hearts to the diversity of Judaism within your borders and around the world. We deeply respect the right of all Jews to pray in accordance with their own minhag (custom) and interpretation of halachah (Jewish law), so long as in doing so, they do not cause harm to others. We support the rights of those Jewish women who choose to not lead worship or carry Torah Scrolls or read from Torah Scrolls to have safe space at the Kotel where they may take part in prayers in accordance with their views of halachah.


We call upon the Mayor and Chief of Police of Jerusalem to provide protection to Women of the Wall as they pray at the Kotel each Rosh Hodesh, rather than harassing them. We call upon the government of Israel and its police forces and military to immediately institute and enforce a zero tolerance policy against attacking women in any way whatsoever, including throwing chairs and feces-filled diapers and other objects at women who pray together at the Kotel on Rosh Hodesh and at other times, as well as the attacking of women anywhere in Israel for carrying traces of their religious observance, such as marks on their arms from wearing tefillin.


We additionally call upon the government of Israel, its leaders, its courts and its rabbinic officials to find appropriate and safe venues at the Kotel for Jews who are not comfortable with women leading worship or holding the Torah or reading from it to enjoy their practice of Judaism unhindered, and physically separated from other designated portions of the Kotel where women are allowed to lead worship, wear a tallit, wear tefillin, hold the Torah and read from the Torah.


Thank you.



Sincerely,
Rabbi ARTHUR SEGAL

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!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Women of the Wall: KOTEL: ECO-JUDAISM

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Women of the Wall: KOTEL: ECO-JUDAISM

 

  I   stand with Women of the Wall

Shalom,


We call upon you, the government of Israel, your leaders, your courts and your rabbinic officials to open your hearts to the diversity of Judaism within your borders and around the world. We deeply respect the right of all Jews to pray in accordance with their own minhag (custom) and interpretation of halachah (Jewish law), so long as in doing so, they do not cause harm to others. We support the rights of those Jewish women who choose to not lead worship or carry Torah Scrolls or read from Torah Scrolls to have safe space at the Kotel where they may take part in prayers in accordance with their views of halachah.


We call upon the Mayor and Chief of Police of Jerusalem to provide protection to Women of the Wall as they pray at the Kotel each Rosh Hodesh, rather than harassing them. We call upon the government of Israel and its police forces and military to immediately institute and enforce a zero tolerance policy against attacking women in any way whatsoever, including throwing chairs and feces-filled diapers and other objects at women who pray together at the Kotel on Rosh Hodesh and at other times, as well as the attacking of women anywhere in Israel for carrying traces of their religious observance, such as marks on their arms from wearing tefillin.


We additionally call upon the government of Israel, its leaders, its courts and its rabbinic officials to find appropriate and safe venues at the Kotel for Jews who are not comfortable with women leading worship or holding the Torah or reading from it to enjoy their practice of Judaism unhindered, and physically separated from other designated portions of the Kotel where women are allowed to lead worship, wear a tallit, wear tefillin, hold the Torah and read from the Torah.


Thank you.



Sincerely,
Rabbi ARTHUR SEGAL

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!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Women of the Wall: KOTEL: JEWISH SPIRITUALITY

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Women of the Wall: KOTEL: JEWISH SPIRITUALITY

 

  I   stand with Women of the Wall

Shalom,


We call upon you, the government of Israel, your leaders, your courts and your rabbinic officials to open your hearts to the diversity of Judaism within your borders and around the world. We deeply respect the right of all Jews to pray in accordance with their own minhag (custom) and interpretation of halachah (Jewish law), so long as in doing so, they do not cause harm to others. We support the rights of those Jewish women who choose to not lead worship or carry Torah Scrolls or read from Torah Scrolls to have safe space at the Kotel where they may take part in prayers in accordance with their views of halachah.


We call upon the Mayor and Chief of Police of Jerusalem to provide protection to Women of the Wall as they pray at the Kotel each Rosh Hodesh, rather than harassing them. We call upon the government of Israel and its police forces and military to immediately institute and enforce a zero tolerance policy against attacking women in any way whatsoever, including throwing chairs and feces-filled diapers and other objects at women who pray together at the Kotel on Rosh Hodesh and at other times, as well as the attacking of women anywhere in Israel for carrying traces of their religious observance, such as marks on their arms from wearing tefillin.


We additionally call upon the government of Israel, its leaders, its courts and its rabbinic officials to find appropriate and safe venues at the Kotel for Jews who are not comfortable with women leading worship or holding the Torah or reading from it to enjoy their practice of Judaism unhindered, and physically separated from other designated portions of the Kotel where women are allowed to lead worship, wear a tallit, wear tefillin, hold the Torah and read from the Torah.


Thank you.



Sincerely,
Rabbi ARTHUR SEGAL

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!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Women of the Wall: KOTEL: JEWISH RENEWAL

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Women of the Wall: KOTEL: JEWISH RENEWAL

 

  I   stand with Women of the Wall

Shalom,


We call upon you, the government of Israel, your leaders, your courts and your rabbinic officials to open your hearts to the diversity of Judaism within your borders and around the world. We deeply respect the right of all Jews to pray in accordance with their own minhag (custom) and interpretation of halachah (Jewish law), so long as in doing so, they do not cause harm to others. We support the rights of those Jewish women who choose to not lead worship or carry Torah Scrolls or read from Torah Scrolls to have safe space at the Kotel where they may take part in prayers in accordance with their views of halachah.


We call upon the Mayor and Chief of Police of Jerusalem to provide protection to Women of the Wall as they pray at the Kotel each Rosh Hodesh, rather than harassing them. We call upon the government of Israel and its police forces and military to immediately institute and enforce a zero tolerance policy against attacking women in any way whatsoever, including throwing chairs and feces-filled diapers and other objects at women who pray together at the Kotel on Rosh Hodesh and at other times, as well as the attacking of women anywhere in Israel for carrying traces of their religious observance, such as marks on their arms from wearing tefillin.


We additionally call upon the government of Israel, its leaders, its courts and its rabbinic officials to find appropriate and safe venues at the Kotel for Jews who are not comfortable with women leading worship or holding the Torah or reading from it to enjoy their practice of Judaism unhindered, and physically separated from other designated portions of the Kotel where women are allowed to lead worship, wear a tallit, wear tefillin, hold the Torah and read from the Torah.


Thank you.



Sincerely,
Rabbi ARTHUR SEGAL

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!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Women of the Wall: KOTEL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Women of the Wall: KOTEL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

 

  I   stand with Women of the Wall

Shalom,


We call upon you, the government of Israel, your leaders, your courts and your rabbinic officials to open your hearts to the diversity of Judaism within your borders and around the world. We deeply respect the right of all Jews to pray in accordance with their own minhag (custom) and interpretation of halachah (Jewish law), so long as in doing so, they do not cause harm to others. We support the rights of those Jewish women who choose to not lead worship or carry Torah Scrolls or read from Torah Scrolls to have safe space at the Kotel where they may take part in prayers in accordance with their views of halachah.


We call upon the Mayor and Chief of Police of Jerusalem to provide protection to Women of the Wall as they pray at the Kotel each Rosh Hodesh, rather than harassing them. We call upon the government of Israel and its police forces and military to immediately institute and enforce a zero tolerance policy against attacking women in any way whatsoever, including throwing chairs and feces-filled diapers and other objects at women who pray together at the Kotel on Rosh Hodesh and at other times, as well as the attacking of women anywhere in Israel for carrying traces of their religious observance, such as marks on their arms from wearing tefillin.


We additionally call upon the government of Israel, its leaders, its courts and its rabbinic officials to find appropriate and safe venues at the Kotel for Jews who are not comfortable with women leading worship or holding the Torah or reading from it to enjoy their practice of Judaism unhindered, and physically separated from other designated portions of the Kotel where women are allowed to lead worship, wear a tallit, wear tefillin, hold the Torah and read from the Torah.


Thank you.



Sincerely,
Rabbi ARTHUR SEGAL

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!

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL : Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav : MUSSAR GROWTH

 

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH RENEWAL : Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav : MUSSAR GROWTH

 

Jewish Spiritual Renewal: Derek Eretz Zuta + Rabbah: Shabbat 10/23/10

(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:

 

We continue with our exploration into the Talmudic Tractates of Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. (aka Derech Eretz), For those new to the class, Baruch ha Ba! Welcome! You can access last week's class, our third, at

Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL : JEWISH RENEWAL :DERECH ERETZ, DEREK ERETZ ZUTA, ETHICS   or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2010/10/rabbi-arthur-segal-jewish-renewal_7263.html .  From there you will find a link to preceding  classes in this new series.

 

 

So. together we continue:

TALMUD BAVLI TRACTATE DEREK

ERETZ ZUTA.

(aka Derech Eretz)

CHAPTER I.

1. The qualities of the sages are: Modesty, meekness, eagerness, courage, bearing wrongs done to them, and being endeared to every one; submission to the members of their household, fear of sin, and judging every one according to his deeds.

In our last classes, we discussed Modesty , Humility,  Meekness and Eagerness. Today I invite you to explore with me the middah,  trait,  of Courage.

Talmudically, courage is the opposite of giving into fears. It is the courage of Abraham the first Ivri, literally meaning to stand on '' the other side.''

As we learned in our class on Jewish Spiritual Renewal, using The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew    or   http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/ ,we all have fears, some of them so paralyzing that they stop us from enjoying life to its fullest .

The first step in overcoming our fears is to realize and understand that we only go around once in life. No do-overs. No second acts. This is not an audition or a dress rehearsal; this is the big show. If we let our fears get the best of us, we are going to bomb, but if we triumph over those fears, we will bring the house down.

 

 

The Mishna Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, 4:1 teaches: "Who is wise?  He who learns from every person." The sages, explaining the advantage of learning from others and coming up with one's own ideas, compare the bee to the spider.  Both produce something; the bee makes honey and the spider, a web. The bee's honey is sweet and delightful to eat. The spider's web? Not so sweet. Why is that?

The difference is that the bee's sweet and delicious product is a result of what it collects from others. On the other hand, the web is produced from the spider's own self and for the selfish purpose of trapping other insects.

Nobody is born with all of the answers. We all have to learn. It should never embarrass us to say, "I do not know, please teach me." In fact it is liberating. It is human. And it is the beginning of knowledge. Rabbi Akiva from circa 100 C.E., one of our greatest rabbis, sets a good example for all of us in this respect. He began his study of the Hebrew Aleph Bait when he was 40 years old.

Pirkei Avot also teaches that a wise person can make everyone  his teacher. So it would follow that we are also a teacher to all with whom we come in contact and those who witness our actions. All teachers fall into one of two types: those who teach what to do, and those who teach what not to do.

Our sages suggest that we list all of the fears that have held us back in one way or another throughout our lives. When they, or we, do this, we find that we probably have many fears in common with other people, as we are all human. We fear living. We fear dying. Other examples might be fear of failure, or fear of success, fear of not being loved or accepted or fear of not being good enough. Is there anything else we can think of?  We are advised to include all of our fears:  those we have now, and those we have had in the past. We are taught to take our time and be rigorously honest.

When we review the list we will probably notice that most of our fears are irrationally based. Most fears are of issues over which we have no control. Worse yet, many of them, like a fear of not having enough money, will lead to the chet (sin) of coveting. Coveting inevitably leads to resentment and grudges. To hold a grudge is a sin, and resentment may lead us to take action against the ones we envy, leading us to further sin.

Fear is a process of the mind that can have ruinous consequences in our lives and drive us to hurt others.

Although many of our fears are irrational, there may be a few that have rational etiology. For example, we might fear becoming poor because our parents, who lived through the Great Depression, were always talking about it. Some people develop a fear of the opposite sex because at some point they were made to feel sexually inadequate. Others fear, in the depths of their hearts, that they are just not good enough, which leads to a fear of other people whom they perceive to be superior. Jealousy ensues, as does the desire to undermine, gossip or otherwise strike out.

The most effective way for us to deal with fear, rational or irrational, is to believe in, have trust in, and have faith in God. Most important is when we learn to have experience with God. If we truly do, our fears, covetous thoughts and all other by-products of our fears will be objectionable to us. We will know how to get rid of them. We  will know that we can ask God to remove our fears and end the destructive behavior that it causes. He will, but we will be the ones doing the work.    

We are asked to determine the  reasons for our fears.  We are to think about from where they might have come. Did somebody teach it to us? Is it the result of a traumatic experience?  We skip no fear. We skip no reason. If while doing this, and we recall another fear, we add it to our original list.

We are asked to think about the behaviors that we believe each fear causes. For example, if we have a fear of being without money we might horde our cash, avoid making charitable donations, or perhaps we shoplift, or pad our expense accounts. Do not be ashamed, none of us are perfect angels. Again, we need to be rigorously honest.

Then the sages teach us, for each of our fears, we ask ourselves this question: "If I trusted in, had faith in, had experience with, and believed in God, could I let go of these fears and the behaviors stemming from them?"  Via mussar, ethical and spiritual transformation, we learn that the answer is '''yes!!''

 

 "And the Lord went before them in a pillar of cloud by day." (Ex. 13:21).

"There were seven clouds, four on the four sides of them, one above them, one beneath them, one before them to prepare the road before them, raising the depressions and lowering the elevations to make for them a plain, as it says: 'Every valley should be lifted up and every hill and mountain shall be made low and the rugged shall be made level, and the rough places a plain.'" (Isaiah 40:4).

The sages teach that these verses tell us that God will always raise valleys and flatten mountains during times of trouble, and that belief in God gives us a life free of fears and full of courage to do '' what is right and just in God's eyes.'' (Deut. 13:18)

As we read in the Talmud, our sages had great courage to stand up to tyranny, and for Judaism and their people, because of complete experience with God. We see the same in the TaNaK with Moses, David, Esther, Job, and almost every main figure. ''Who can protest and does not, is an accomplice in the act.'' [ Talmud Bavli Tractate Shabbat 54b} . By wearing the armor of Ha Shem, we rarely lack courage nor give into fears. We truly can ''not stand idly by while our neighbor's blood is shed.'' [Leviticus 19:16.]

The opening prophecy that God communicates to Joshua after the death of Moses is: "Only be strong [hazak] and be very courageous [ematz] to observe [lishmor] to act [la'asot] according to all the Torah which Moses My servant has commanded you; do not depart from it to the right or to the left, so that you will prosper wherever you may go" (Joshua 1:7). Our sages explain that the heartening hazak (be strong) refers to learning Torah, while the encouraging ematz (be courageous) indicates the practice of good deeds. {Talmud Bavli Tractate Beracoth  32b).

The Talmud continues with a biblical source for courage from God: "Hope to God, be strong and He will give your heart courage (veya'ametz), and hope to God" (Psalms 27:14). "Our sages offer the following verse as another source for courage without fear: ''Be strong and let us strengthen ourselves (venithazak) on behalf of our people and behalf of the cities of our Lord, and God will do that which seems good in His eyes" (II Samuel 10:12). The verse is taken from General Yoav's tactical discussion with his brother and fellow general, Avishai, during the battle against Ammon and Aram. Yoav was offering strengthening words before the two generals parted, each taking part of the army.

Note that the first part is read at the conclusion of every book of Torah by the entire congregation. In developing the trait, middah, of courage, it is important that we surround ourselves with spiritual and ethical people from which we gain encouragement. There will be times when we need encouraging words, and times when we need to offer them.

As we study Derek Eretz, always keep in mind these wise words. Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav once said, "If you won't be better tomorrow than you were today, then what need do you have for tomorrow?" All of us can always improve and grow ethically and spiritually.

What are your ideas about courage ? How does courage play a role in your spiritual life? How have you combated your fears?

Next week, Baruch ha Shem, we will continue with Derek Eretz Zuta, 1:1. [Derech Eretz Zuta]

For those who want a d'var Torah on Parasha Va' yeira 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: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE: PARASHA VA'YEIRA: GENESIS 18:01-22:24 or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2008/02/chumash-candescence-parasha-vayeira.htm .

 

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

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RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: be strong and God will give your heart courage : Psalm 27:14

 

RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: be strong and God will give your heart courage : Psalm 27:14

 

Jewish Spiritual Renewal: Derek Eretz Zuta + Rabbah: Shabbat 10/23/10

(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:

 

We continue with our exploration into the Talmudic Tractates of Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah. (aka Derech Eretz), For those new to the class, Baruch ha Ba! Welcome! You can access last week's class, our third, at

Rabbi Arthur Segal: RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL : JEWISH RENEWAL :DERECH ERETZ, DEREK ERETZ ZUTA, ETHICS   or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2010/10/rabbi-arthur-segal-jewish-renewal_7263.html .  From there you will find a link to preceding  classes in this new series.

 

 

So. together we continue:

TALMUD BAVLI TRACTATE DEREK

ERETZ ZUTA.

(aka Derech Eretz)

CHAPTER I.

1. The qualities of the sages are: Modesty, meekness, eagerness, courage, bearing wrongs done to them, and being endeared to every one; submission to the members of their household, fear of sin, and judging every one according to his deeds.

In our last classes, we discussed Modesty , Humility,  Meekness and Eagerness. Today I invite you to explore with me the middah,  trait,  of Courage.

Talmudically, courage is the opposite of giving into fears. It is the courage of Abraham the first Ivri, literally meaning to stand on '' the other side.''

As we learned in our class on Jewish Spiritual Renewal, using The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew    or   http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.net/ ,we all have fears, some of them so paralyzing that they stop us from enjoying life to its fullest .

The first step in overcoming our fears is to realize and understand that we only go around once in life. No do-overs. No second acts. This is not an audition or a dress rehearsal; this is the big show. If we let our fears get the best of us, we are going to bomb, but if we triumph over those fears, we will bring the house down.

 

 

The Mishna Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, 4:1 teaches: "Who is wise?  He who learns from every person." The sages, explaining the advantage of learning from others and coming up with one's own ideas, compare the bee to the spider.  Both produce something; the bee makes honey and the spider, a web. The bee's honey is sweet and delightful to eat. The spider's web? Not so sweet. Why is that?

The difference is that the bee's sweet and delicious product is a result of what it collects from others. On the other hand, the web is produced from the spider's own self and for the selfish purpose of trapping other insects.

Nobody is born with all of the answers. We all have to learn. It should never embarrass us to say, "I do not know, please teach me." In fact it is liberating. It is human. And it is the beginning of knowledge. Rabbi Akiva from circa 100 C.E., one of our greatest rabbis, sets a good example for all of us in this respect. He began his study of the Hebrew Aleph Bait when he was 40 years old.

Pirkei Avot also teaches that a wise person can make everyone  his teacher. So it would follow that we are also a teacher to all with whom we come in contact and those who witness our actions. All teachers fall into one of two types: those who teach what to do, and those who teach what not to do.

Our sages suggest that we list all of the fears that have held us back in one way or another throughout our lives. When they, or we, do this, we find that we probably have many fears in common with other people, as we are all human. We fear living. We fear dying. Other examples might be fear of failure, or fear of success, fear of not being loved or accepted or fear of not being good enough. Is there anything else we can think of?  We are advised to include all of our fears:  those we have now, and those we have had in the past. We are taught to take our time and be rigorously honest.

When we review the list we will probably notice that most of our fears are irrationally based. Most fears are of issues over which we have no control. Worse yet, many of them, like a fear of not having enough money, will lead to the chet (sin) of coveting. Coveting inevitably leads to resentment and grudges. To hold a grudge is a sin, and resentment may lead us to take action against the ones we envy, leading us to further sin.

Fear is a process of the mind that can have ruinous consequences in our lives and drive us to hurt others.

Although many of our fears are irrational, there may be a few that have rational etiology. For example, we might fear becoming poor because our parents, who lived through the Great Depression, were always talking about it. Some people develop a fear of the opposite sex because at some point they were made to feel sexually inadequate. Others fear, in the depths of their hearts, that they are just not good enough, which leads to a fear of other people whom they perceive to be superior. Jealousy ensues, as does the desire to undermine, gossip or otherwise strike out.

The most effective way for us to deal with fear, rational or irrational, is to believe in, have trust in, and have faith in God. Most important is when we learn to have experience with God. If we truly do, our fears, covetous thoughts and all other by-products of our fears will be objectionable to us. We will know how to get rid of them. We  will know that we can ask God to remove our fears and end the destructive behavior that it causes. He will, but we will be the ones doing the work.    

We are asked to determine the  reasons for our fears.  We are to think about from where they might have come. Did somebody teach it to us? Is it the result of a traumatic experience?  We skip no fear. We skip no reason. If while doing this, and we recall another fear, we add it to our original list.

We are asked to think about the behaviors that we believe each fear causes. For example, if we have a fear of being without money we might horde our cash, avoid making charitable donations, or perhaps we shoplift, or pad our expense accounts. Do not be ashamed, none of us are perfect angels. Again, we need to be rigorously honest.

Then the sages teach us, for each of our fears, we ask ourselves this question: "If I trusted in, had faith in, had experience with, and believed in God, could I let go of these fears and the behaviors stemming from them?"  Via mussar, ethical and spiritual transformation, we learn that the answer is '''yes!!''

 

 "And the Lord went before them in a pillar of cloud by day." (Ex. 13:21).

"There were seven clouds, four on the four sides of them, one above them, one beneath them, one before them to prepare the road before them, raising the depressions and lowering the elevations to make for them a plain, as it says: 'Every valley should be lifted up and every hill and mountain shall be made low and the rugged shall be made level, and the rough places a plain.'" (Isaiah 40:4).

The sages teach that these verses tell us that God will always raise valleys and flatten mountains during times of trouble, and that belief in God gives us a life free of fears and full of courage to do '' what is right and just in God's eyes.'' (Deut. 13:18)

As we read in the Talmud, our sages had great courage to stand up to tyranny, and for Judaism and their people, because of complete experience with God. We see the same in the TaNaK with Moses, David, Esther, Job, and almost every main figure. ''Who can protest and does not, is an accomplice in the act.'' [ Talmud Bavli Tractate Shabbat 54b} . By wearing the armor of Ha Shem, we rarely lack courage nor give into fears. We truly can ''not stand idly by while our neighbor's blood is shed.'' [Leviticus 19:16.]

The opening prophecy that God communicates to Joshua after the death of Moses is: "Only be strong [hazak] and be very courageous [ematz] to observe [lishmor] to act [la'asot] according to all the Torah which Moses My servant has commanded you; do not depart from it to the right or to the left, so that you will prosper wherever you may go" (Joshua 1:7). Our sages explain that the heartening hazak (be strong) refers to learning Torah, while the encouraging ematz (be courageous) indicates the practice of good deeds. {Talmud Bavli Tractate Beracoth  32b).

The Talmud continues with a biblical source for courage from God: "Hope to God, be strong and He will give your heart courage (veya'ametz), and hope to God" (Psalms 27:14). "Our sages offer the following verse as another source for courage without fear: ''Be strong and let us strengthen ourselves (venithazak) on behalf of our people and behalf of the cities of our Lord, and God will do that which seems good in His eyes" (II Samuel 10:12). The verse is taken from General Yoav's tactical discussion with his brother and fellow general, Avishai, during the battle against Ammon and Aram. Yoav was offering strengthening words before the two generals parted, each taking part of the army.

Note that the first part is read at the conclusion of every book of Torah by the entire congregation. In developing the trait, middah, of courage, it is important that we surround ourselves with spiritual and ethical people from which we gain encouragement. There will be times when we need encouraging words, and times when we need to offer them.

As we study Derek Eretz, always keep in mind these wise words. Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav once said, "If you won't be better tomorrow than you were today, then what need do you have for tomorrow?" All of us can always improve and grow ethically and spiritually.

What are your ideas about courage ? How does courage play a role in your spiritual life? How have you combated your fears?

Next week, Baruch ha Shem, we will continue with Derek Eretz Zuta, 1:1. [Derech Eretz Zuta]

For those who want a d'var Torah on Parasha Va' yeira 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: CHUMASH CANDESCENCE: PARASHA VA'YEIRA: GENESIS 18:01-22:24 or http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com/2008/02/chumash-candescence-parasha-vayeira.htm .

 

Shabbat 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 SPIRITUALRENEWAL 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/