LARGE LIFE LESSONS FROM THE TALMUD!

I will share that I literally just finished learning the entire Talmud a few weeks ago -- this very intentional journey has taken me a bit more than seven years (beginning most days with one to two hours of learning, excepting weekends and vacations, etc.). It is so appropriate that the very last words of this rather large and extensive source is to remind us that our "goings" and our "teachings/laws" are the same Hebrew root (H-L-CH) and that if we walk around our lives without our teachings and laws, we just go about aimlessly and that is dangerous. It is only when we go about mindful of and adhering to our teachings and laws that we can function meaningfully. Hmmmmmm....

I feel that it is precisely this principle that joins all of us together as ethical, moral beings of (any) faith who share deeply held foundational beliefs. Here are a few other important lessons that are continued through this extensive tome.

1. Clearly there are expected laws and behaviors dictated by religious standards, but we are TO LIVE BY THESE actions, not die because of them 2. Humility is highly valued, and it is the one who is humble and not a braggart that is favored over the one who is flashy and obvious. 3. We are to walk in the ways of G-d by following the example of G-d’s deeds and care for each other in the way that G-d cares for each of us. 4. The laws as presented are discussed, debated, reformulated and turned every which way. Often at the end of these deliberations, we are taught there is NOT agreement, but rather each authority goes his own way, or one may change their mind, or we just don’t know and all will be determined at some future point. In the meantime, we just are to plod along, but plod we must. 5. We are always to show gratitude – if we take one thing from the ground or our environment without blessing the source and G-d who creates it, it is as if we have stolen something that is not ours. 6. Our resources are meant to share with others; for those of us who benefit from privilege, we must remember that we are blessed with bounty so that we can share with those around us. 7. The well-being of the collective is of utmost importance and we are not to exclude ourselves from its concerns and needs. 8. Questions are the most valuable learning tool we have and sometimes we explore them for the purpose of seeing the many possibilities; in these cases learning is valued for its own sake. 9. Ideal standards are articulated not so that we achieve them, for limited human beings will not be able to do so, but so we strive for the best we can be and do. 10. Living without standards and boundaries is dangerous and destructive. 11. Saving and preserving life takes precedence over all else and we are obligated to put aside various commandments and dictates in order to do so. 12. We, in following G-d’s example, are to go above and beyond the letter of the law in order to keep its foundational elements of compassion and concern for all—loving all others as ourselves and remembering that G-d is at the core of all human beings. There are so many other lessons and teachings that are critical to our well-being and that of our community and all of humanity. I will be sharing these at the event below, if you wish to attend.

Let us all be empowered to keep sharing them with all those with whom we come in contact.

If you are interested, I am having a Siyyum B’Zoom (my celebration of finishing the Gemara with a bit of learning I will share). If you would like to attend and have not already let me know, please send me an email at shulisrose@aol.com and I will send you the Zoom Link. It is this coming Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 12:00 noon EST.