|
| |
MORAL WHATS?
By Robert J. Eisen, Rabbi, Congregation Anshai Israel, Tucson, AZ
I found myself busy preparing for two courses I'll be teaching on Jewish Moral
Values/Virtues. Half kiddingly, I played with the idea of focusing on the issues
of concern with one thought in mind: "Who needs them?! Don't they just get in
the way of enjoying life?" However, I was afraid that someone might take me
seriously.
When we think of what life is supposed to be, for most people the first concern
is how life is treating us. Do we have the job we want? Are we taking in more
than we are paying out? Is the house big enough* the car fancy enough* the
family dressed well enough? Though I am sure that matters of health would also
be on the top of the list, for the most part when we pause to reflect on where
we are in life, we think first and foremost about what life has placed in our
path and whether we are walking straight or stumbling.
As I prepared my classes on Jewish Moral Values/Virtues, I began to realize that
the key to understanding what our tradition would have us think about * the
criteria we should be using for judging the method and the meaning to our life
and love * is really elsewhere. As our tradition would have it, the key to
getting the most out of life is not to be found in what we have, but in how we
interact with ourselves, our neighbors and friends * our community at large. To
paraphrase a famous quote: We are not to ask what life has given us, but what we
have given back to this world through the way we are living our lives.
Striving to live a life rich in Jewish Moral Values/Virtues is a means by which
we can make an impact on this world which is greater than anything that can
happen to us. Such a focus leads to a life strengthened through righteousness
and holiness and will positively affect our relationship with ourselves and with
others.
Jewish Moral Values/Virtues: So, do we need them? Take a look at the following
list. You may be doing them already! If not, why not start today?!
Anavah/Humility
Dan L'Klaf Zechut/Give the Benefit of the Doubt
Dibuk Chaverim/Cleaving to Friends
Din V'Rachamim/Justice and Mercy
Emet/Truthfulness
Erech Apayim/Slow to Anger
Hachnasat Orchim/Hospitality
Lo Levayesh/Not Embarrassing
Malachah/Work/Industriousness
Miyut Sichah/Minimizing Small Talk
Nedivot/Generosity
Ohev Zeh Et Zeh/Loving and Honoring Others
Ometz Lev/Courage
Samayach B'Helko/Contentment With Your Lot
Makir Et Mekomo/Knowing Your Place
Lo Tachmod/Not Coveting
Sayver Panim Yafot/A Pleasant Demeanor
Shalom Bayit/Peace in the Home/Family
Shmiat HaOzen/Attentiveness/Being a Good Listener
Shmirat HaGuf/Taking Care of Your Body
Simcha/Joy and Happiness
Somaych Noflim V'Rofay Holim/Supporting and Healing
Tochechah/Rebuking
Yirah/Awe and Reverence
Find any? I'm sure you did. And the more you find the more you can make your
own.
|
