Derekh Eretz-Being A Mensch
1. DEREKH ERETZ PRECEDED THE TORAH
Yiddish has a unique term, used by speakers of other languages as well, that is very difficult to translate - "menschlichkeit." The Hebrew term derekh eretz is only roughly equivalent.
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Responsibility is one of the most important midot to cultivate in one’s soul. Acharayut (responsibility in Hebrew) comes from the root “acher” (other). To take responsibility means to cultivate the “ability” for response” to an “other.” This responsibility to another is born in the moment where no...
Anivut (humility) has a very special priority in positive Jewish self development. Rav Kook wrote (The Moral Principles, page 174) that “Humility is associated with spiritual perfection. When humility effects depression it is defective, when it is genuine it inspires joy, courage, and inner...
Activism requires a very calculated and sensitive balance between patience and alacrity. On the one hand, one must have the patience for teaching and engaging the apathetic and the uninformed. On the other hand, one must also have the alacrity to respond to crises and injustices at the most...
Religious Jews are taught at a young age to yearn for the geulah (redemption). With sophistication, the student comes to learn that messianism is not just about seeking an end but is also a worldview, a process of living with a vision and with a dream. What is one to do if they lack...
“Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with beings divine and human and have prevailed,” (Bereshit 32:29). Yaakov Avinu is blessed with a new name only once he has struggled both with G-d and humanity together. The Jewish people are named Israel only after...
Our work is never done! This is what makes Jewish activism so intimidating and also so invigorating. We never complete the larger goals. We are never whole. Until the day that we pass from the earth, we are unable to fully step back and “throw the towel in.” The Maharal M’Prague taught:...
What: Come learn with Rav Yitzchak Blau & HIAS about IMMIGRATION!
When: 03.11.10, 07:30PM - 03.11.10, 09:00PM
Where: Mt. Sinai Shul, 135 Bennett Avenue, Washington Heights, NY
Why: Come learn with Rav Yitzi Blau, Uri L'tzedek & HIAS about IMMIGRATION!
When: 03.11.10, 07:30PM - 03.11.10, 09:00PM
Where: Mt. Sinai Shul, 135 Bennett Avenue, Washington Heights, NY
Why: Come learn with Rav Yitzi Blau, Uri L'tzedek & HIAS about IMMIGRATION!
What: Jewish Women Doing Justice!
When: 03.14.10, 04:30PM - 03.14.10, 05:30PM
Where: Alfred Lerner Hall, 2920 Broadway @ W. 115th St., NY, NY
Why: Come hear from women from Bema'aglei Tzedek, American Jewish World Service, Jewish Funds for Justice, and Uri L'tzedek
When: 03.14.10, 04:30PM - 03.14.10, 05:30PM
Where: Alfred Lerner Hall, 2920 Broadway @ W. 115th St., NY, NY
Why: Come hear from women from Bema'aglei Tzedek, American Jewish World Service, Jewish Funds for Justice, and Uri L'tzedek
