from the mussar masters

Rabbi Judah the Prince said: "Which is the right course that a man should choose for himself? That which is an honor to him and elicits honor from his fellow men." --Avot 2:1

Rabbi Jose said: “Let the property of your fellow man be as dear to you as your own.” --Avot 2:17

“But if three have eaten at one table and have spoken over it words of the Torah, it is as if they had eaten from the table of G-d, for it is written (Ezekiel 41.22) 'He said to me, 'This is the table which is before Hashem.'” --Avot 3:4

“A person may tend to deliberate whether he should or should not give tzedakah (charity). That is why the Torah exhorts, 'Do not close your hand to the poor.'” --Rashi, Deuteronomy 15:7

“I constantly place the presence of G-d before my eyes” (Psalms 16:8). This is a fundamental rule in Torah and behavior of the righteous who walk in the path of G-d. --Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 1:1

“Judge every person favorably.” – Avot 1:6

 “A person should be humble and as flexible as Hillel, rather than as stern and strict as Shammai.” --Talmud, Shabbos 30b

from the mussar masters

“One who acquires understanding loves his soul, guarding understanding to find good.” --Proverbs 19:8

 “Of Your precepts I speak and I look at Your paths. I occupy myself with Your statutes, I will not forget Your word.” --Psalms 119:15

“Ready my steps in Your word, and do not let any iniquity dominate me.” --Psalms 119:133

“Whosoever possesses these three qualities belongs to the disciples of Abraham our father: a generous eye, a humble spirit, and a meek soul.” --Avot 5:22

“Cursed is he who misleads an undiscerning person.” --Deutoronomy 27:18

Regarding the cleanliness of language, it is said: “The throne [of the Mashiach] will be established with benevolence and he will sit on it through truth.” – Isaiah 16:5

“Who is courageous? One who conquers his inclination.” --Avot 4:1

“Envy, lust and the [pursuit of honor] remove man from the world.” --Avot 4:21

from the mussar masters

Hillel says, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?" – Avot 1:14

“He who has not yet ruled over his evil inclination is like one lost along the paths [of the maze] unable to differentiate between them.” – The Path of the Just, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

“Commit your way to Hashem, rely on Him and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness like a light, and your justice like the high noon.” – Psalms 37:5-6

“Align the course of your feet, and [thereby] all your ways will be corrected.” – Proverbs 4:26

“Generally, one must be content to rely on logic and make his determination based on probability. Moreover, one must reach his logical decisions quickly, for most situations require alacrity so that the opportune moment does not pass.” – Rabbi M.M. Lefin of Satanov, Cheshbon HaNefesh

from the mussar masters

“Align the course of your feet, and [thereby] all your ways will be corrected.” – Proverbs 4:26

“If a person in need of discipline is obstinate and resistive, he may suddenly crumble, and there will be healing for him.” --Proverbs 29:1

“One who deals responsibly and truthfully with others and with whom the souls of others are at ease, it is as if they have fulfilled the entire Torah. --Mekhilta on Exodus 15:26

“In all your ways know Him and He will align your paths.” --Proverbs 3:6

“It is good to give charity before praying.” --Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 92:10

“Only he who prepares prior to Shabbat eats on Shabbat." --Talmud, Avodah Zara 3a

“All your actions and possessions should be orderly – each and every one in a set place and set time. Let your thoughts always be free to deal with that which lies ahead of you.” – Rabbi M.M. Lefin of Satanov,  Cheshbon Hanefesh

“Fish die when they are out of water, and people die without law and order.” --Talmud

parasha noach and equanimity of judgment

Commentary on Parasha Noach from the First Fruits of Zion Torah Club v.1 audio magazine by Boaz Michael and Toby Janicki. Used with permission.

This discussion on Parasha Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32) reflects on the personal ethics of judging one another, giving the benefit of the doubt, and holding equanimity when dealing with these situations. 

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