JEWRY.ROME.Hillel II Introduces fixedEmperor Julian361Calendar into Palestine359Completion of PalestinianDivision of Roman Empire395Talmud409Extinction of PalestinianRome sacked410Patriarchate425Death of Rabbana Ashi,editor of Talmud427Fall of Western RomanCompletion of BabylonianEmpire476Talmud500Persecution of Jews byMazdak, the Persia500
The times were becoming so uncertain in Babylonia as well as in Palestine that the Jews felt it necessary now to collect andwrite downtheir varied traditions and laws to insure their preservation. The sages could no longer trust the transmission by word of mouth; they could no longer rely on their memories, marvelous though these were. So they were reluctantly compelled to overcome their sentimental objection to writing down these traditions—which, as the very title,OralLaw showed, should be transmitted from mouth to mouth, inscribed, as it were, only on the tablets of the mind. Perhaps, too, they felt that writing would crystallize theHalachothat the point where they were transcribed, into unchangeable decisions and prevent their further development. For while unwritten, they were fluid and could be modified from age to age. As a matter of fact, the writing down of the lawsdidtend to crystallize them, and thus retarded the progressive growth of Jewish Law.
The work of codifying and writing down the Oral Law was commenced by Rabbana Ashi about the year 400. Placed at the head of the declining Academy of Sora, he breathed new life into it. His knowledge won him both esteem and authority such as had been granted to Rabbi Judah ha-Nasi, compiler of the Mishna in Palestine about two hundred years earlier. But Rabbana Ashi's was a vaster task—the compiling of all supplementary laws that had grown out of the Mishna proper and from all the Mishna collections in the course of two hundred years. It included, too, the discussion and incidental material that developed from every legal or moral problem, together with all the logical steps that led to the final deduction. This vast after-growth or commentary was calledGemara, which means completion. Together with the Mishna, which formed the text, it was called the Talmud. This commentary, Gemara, is far bulkier than the Mishna. Sometimes a few lines of Mishna would call for pages and pages of Gemara.
For about half a century Rabbana Ashi and his disciples, particularly Rabina, labored on this gigantic task. The completed work was called theTalmud Babli(Babylonian), as it was not only written in Babylonia, but contained largely the decisions attained in the Babylonian schools. Though do not forget that its Mishna text was written in Palestine. The final touches were made about the year 500. It contains twelve folio volumes or 2,947 leaves.
A similar work had been done in Palestine about the year 400. This Mishna commentary was called the Palestinian Talmud. Whether it originally contained commentary on all the Mishna we cannot say; but in thecopies now extant there is only commentary to the first four of the six sections of the Mishna and to a few additional chapters. For this reason it is a less important work than the Babylonian Talmud and but a quarter of its size. Indeed, when we speak of the Talmud, we usually mean the Talmud Babli.
The two great divisions ofHalachaandAgaddhave already been explained in the chapter on the Mishna (xxxi). These same two classes of material, the legal and the narrative, characterize the Gemara. It will be understood at once then that the Talmud is not merely a code of laws for Jewish guidance, though primarily that is its purpose. It gives us also, though incidentally, an insight into the manners and customs of the Jews, their theological views and general reflections on life; their hopes and their sufferings for a period of some six hundred years—"A work in which a whole people had deposited its feelings, its beliefs, its soul." We have fragments of biography of Jewish scholars, bits of inner history under Roman and Persian rule, homely philosophy of the sages; glimpses too of their weaknesses and occasionally of their superstitions—all the more reliable because unconsciously portrayed. Interspersed between their legal discussions will be found an anecdote, an abstract thought of the rabbi whose decision is quoted, a bit of humor, a picture of Oriental civilization. As direct outgrowth of many of their ritual arguments, we are introduced to their science; astronomy and mathematics in the drawing up of their calendar; botany in their agricultural laws; hygiene, anatomy and physiology in theshechita laws(slaughtering animals for food); and naturalhistory and medicine in various laws. There is, of course, very unequal value in their data, and naturally they shared some of the errors of their age.
The legal discussions in themselves reveal keen mental acumen, subtle logic, "deductive reasoning raised to the highest power;" they display a vivid sense of justice and philanthropy; and, touches of harshness too—wrung from a patient and forgiving people in the hour of agony.
The study of the Talmud was to become the chief occupation of the Jews for many centuries. It was a world in itself in which they lived, and in which they could forget the cruel world without. Its study reacted on their character. First the Jew made the Talmud, then the Talmud made the Jew.
Like the Bible, the Talmud produced a literature still vaster than itself. While theGemarais a commentary, it needed later commentaries to explain it to the student—for although so diffuse in treatment, its language is terse. Frequently a letter stands for a word and a word for a sentence. Therefore in editions of the Talmud to-day, Mishna and Gemara together form the text and are printed in the centre of each page, while commentaries in smaller type are grouped around it. Since the days of printing all editions are paged alike.
After the completion of the Talmud, the work of the Academies became preservative rather than creative. While not adding to the laws now gathered in the Talmud, the rabbis reviewed them and formulated from them complete codes for practical application. This tended togive a finality to the laws so far evolved, which had both its good and bad side. This undertaking gave to this next school of commentators the name ofSaboräim—revisers or critics—the third group of law expounders. (For first group,Tannäim, see p. 186; for second group,Amoräim, see page 228). They edited the Talmud and amplified it withagadisticmaterial and finally brought it down into the form in which we have it to-day.
The Mishna is written in Hebrew, and so too are some of the older quotations in the Gemara. Many Greek words are adopted, of whichSanhedrinis one; some Latin words too. But the bulk of both Gemaras is written in a dialect of Aramaic—we might say Jüdisch-Aramaic just as we speak of Jüdisch-Deutsch to-day.
A knowledge of grammar was brought to Persia (Babylonia) from Greece, which resulted in the important service of introducing vowel points and accents. This tended to simplify the study of Hebrew Scriptures and made the text more certain.
The ethics of the Talmud have been touched upon incidentally in preceding chapters, and at length in the two following. For a systematic treatment, read Part iv., Outlines of Talmudic Ethics, in Mielziner'sIntroduction to the Talmud. See alsoEthics of Judaism, Lazarus (translation), J. P. S. A.
Read "On the Study of the Talmud,"Studies in Judaism, S. Schechter, J. P. S. A. 1908, for rabbinic parallels with New Testament teachings.
In a note on the Mishna it was pointed out that it was free from some defects of Roman law. This does notexclude the fact that the rabbinichalachawas largely indebted to Roman law. On this Darmesteter says:
"Certain departments of legislation, such as the laws on slavery and prescription ... are almost entirely inspired by Roman legislation. But all they borrow takes on modifications under the manipulation of the rabbis. The Jewish mind transformed the alien elements by impressing upon them its peculiar character. And from this vast crucible in which three centuries had melted down materials of diverse origin gathered by the schools, was to emerge the essentially uniform and homogeneous work of Talmudic legislation."—The Talmud, translated by Henrietta Szold, J. P. S. A.
"Certain departments of legislation, such as the laws on slavery and prescription ... are almost entirely inspired by Roman legislation. But all they borrow takes on modifications under the manipulation of the rabbis. The Jewish mind transformed the alien elements by impressing upon them its peculiar character. And from this vast crucible in which three centuries had melted down materials of diverse origin gathered by the schools, was to emerge the essentially uniform and homogeneous work of Talmudic legislation."—The Talmud, translated by Henrietta Szold, J. P. S. A.
(a) Compare Bible and Talmud as literatures.
(b) In what sense can it be said that "the Talmud made the Jew?"
"Let me make the ballads of a people and I care not who makes the laws."
"Let me make the ballads of a people and I care not who makes the laws."
The maxims with which the rabbis occasionally endorsed their decisions and the bits of humor with which they relieved the tension of argument, may give a deeper insight into their character than their laws. These morsels of homely philosophy and casual reflections on human experience best reveal, too, their outlook on the world and on life. So in its way theAgadais quite as precious a legacy from the Fathers as theHalacha.
The writing of parables of which some of the rabbis were masters, is almost a lost art; it seems to have died out in literature. But no moral is pointed so aptly as through a tale and no teaching impressed so lastingly as through a story.
Many a Hebrew philosopher like Socrates, the Greek, and the yet earlier prophet (nabi) would make the highway his school-house and the passing crowd his disciples. Darmesteter suggests that the lesson might have been conveyed in somewhat in the following way:
"Who wishes to live long," cries anAgadistin the open street; "who wishes to buy happiness?" The original questions attract a crowd demanding to know the orator's secret. "Thou desirest to live many days," he answers, "thou wishest to enjoy peace and happiness? Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile. Seek peace andpursue it. Depart from the evil and do good." And paraphrasing these words of the Psalmist (Ps. xxxiv, 13-15), he developed his ideas in the midst of the attentive crowd.
"Who wishes to live long," cries anAgadistin the open street; "who wishes to buy happiness?" The original questions attract a crowd demanding to know the orator's secret. "Thou desirest to live many days," he answers, "thou wishest to enjoy peace and happiness? Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile. Seek peace andpursue it. Depart from the evil and do good." And paraphrasing these words of the Psalmist (Ps. xxxiv, 13-15), he developed his ideas in the midst of the attentive crowd.
The parables and maxims that follow have been gathered promiscuously and are classified here under appropriate heads.
"Show me your omnipresent God," said the Emperor Trajan to R. Joshua. "He cannot be seen, but let us try to look at one of his ambassadors," replied the rabbi, pointing to the midday sun. "I cannot," said Trojan, "the light dazzles me." "Can you then expect to gaze upon the resplendent glory of the Creator?"A Roman philosopher asked: "If your God dislikes idolatry, why does he not destroy the idols?" Quickly came the wise reply: "Shall He destroy the sun and the moon because the foolish worship them and thus injure the innocent also?""Who denies idolatry may be called a Jew.""He who possesses knowledge of God's law without fear of Him, the Lawgiver, is like one to whom the inner keys of a treasury have been given, but the outer ones withheld.""God rejoiceth not at the fall of the wicked." When the angels were about to chant their morning hymn on the day the Egyptians were drowning, God stayed them: "The works of My hands are sinking in the deep and would you sing a song?""Without God's law there would be neither heaven nor earth.""The aim of creation is man's fulfilment of God's will.""The consciousness of God's presence is the great teaching of religion.""In all God's creation there is not a single object without a purpose."
"Show me your omnipresent God," said the Emperor Trajan to R. Joshua. "He cannot be seen, but let us try to look at one of his ambassadors," replied the rabbi, pointing to the midday sun. "I cannot," said Trojan, "the light dazzles me." "Can you then expect to gaze upon the resplendent glory of the Creator?"
A Roman philosopher asked: "If your God dislikes idolatry, why does he not destroy the idols?" Quickly came the wise reply: "Shall He destroy the sun and the moon because the foolish worship them and thus injure the innocent also?"
"Who denies idolatry may be called a Jew."
"He who possesses knowledge of God's law without fear of Him, the Lawgiver, is like one to whom the inner keys of a treasury have been given, but the outer ones withheld."
"God rejoiceth not at the fall of the wicked." When the angels were about to chant their morning hymn on the day the Egyptians were drowning, God stayed them: "The works of My hands are sinking in the deep and would you sing a song?"
"Without God's law there would be neither heaven nor earth."
"The aim of creation is man's fulfilment of God's will."
"The consciousness of God's presence is the great teaching of religion."
"In all God's creation there is not a single object without a purpose."
"Man should ever say: Whatever the All-merciful doeth is for the best.""Who hath bread for to-day and feareth for the morrow, is a man of little faith.""God adjusts the burden to the camel.""We cannot comprehend either the prosperity of the wicked or the suffering of the righteous."Rabbi Akiba was alone in the wilderness at night with but a lamp to study the Law, a rooster to waken him, and an ass to carry him. He was inhospitably driven from a village in which he asked shelter, and had to camp in the open fields. A wind blew out his light so that he could not study; a wolf destroyed his rooster; a lion devoured his ass. But at the occurrence of each calamity, he still said: "Praised be God, whate'er He does is for the best." Entering the village next morning, he found its inhabitants slain by robbers.
"Man should ever say: Whatever the All-merciful doeth is for the best."
"Who hath bread for to-day and feareth for the morrow, is a man of little faith."
"God adjusts the burden to the camel."
"We cannot comprehend either the prosperity of the wicked or the suffering of the righteous."
Rabbi Akiba was alone in the wilderness at night with but a lamp to study the Law, a rooster to waken him, and an ass to carry him. He was inhospitably driven from a village in which he asked shelter, and had to camp in the open fields. A wind blew out his light so that he could not study; a wolf destroyed his rooster; a lion devoured his ass. But at the occurrence of each calamity, he still said: "Praised be God, whate'er He does is for the best." Entering the village next morning, he found its inhabitants slain by robbers.
Complete the providential application.
There is no mediator between Israel and God."If misfortune befalls a man, let him not cry to Michael or Gabriel, but let him come unto Me: everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."God scattered Israel through the world that the Gentile might learn the purity of Jewish teaching.
There is no mediator between Israel and God.
"If misfortune befalls a man, let him not cry to Michael or Gabriel, but let him come unto Me: everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
God scattered Israel through the world that the Gentile might learn the purity of Jewish teaching.
"Prayer without devotion is body without breath.""Better little prayer with devotion than much, without.""He who asks God for his neighbor what he needs for himself, his own wants will be first answered.""Blessed be the mother who sends her children to the House of Prayer."
"Prayer without devotion is body without breath."
"Better little prayer with devotion than much, without."
"He who asks God for his neighbor what he needs for himself, his own wants will be first answered."
"Blessed be the mother who sends her children to the House of Prayer."
(See prayer and sacrifice, page 188.)
"Who gains the approval of good men, may hope for that of Heaven.""One should conduct himself as carefully before man as before God.""What shall man do to live; kill his (lower) self. What shall man do to die; sustain his (lower) self.""The righteous are greater in death than in life.""A good man lost to his age is like a lost pearl. The pearl remains a pearl wherever it may be; only the owner feels its loss.""Alas for him who mistakes branch for tree, shadow for substance.""To him who lacks nobility of heart, nobility of blood is of no avail.""Good men promise little and do much; wicked men promise much and no nothing.""There are three classes of friends of God; the wronged who seek not revenge; workers for the love of God; cheerful sufferers.""The righteous need no monuments, their deeds are their monuments.""Three names are given to a man: the first by his parents, the second by the world, the third by his works.""The best preacher is the heart, the best teacher time, the best book the world, the best friend God.""The greatest of heroes is he who turneth an enemy into a friend."
"Who gains the approval of good men, may hope for that of Heaven."
"One should conduct himself as carefully before man as before God."
"What shall man do to live; kill his (lower) self. What shall man do to die; sustain his (lower) self."
"The righteous are greater in death than in life."
"A good man lost to his age is like a lost pearl. The pearl remains a pearl wherever it may be; only the owner feels its loss."
"Alas for him who mistakes branch for tree, shadow for substance."
"To him who lacks nobility of heart, nobility of blood is of no avail."
"Good men promise little and do much; wicked men promise much and no nothing."
"There are three classes of friends of God; the wronged who seek not revenge; workers for the love of God; cheerful sufferers."
"The righteous need no monuments, their deeds are their monuments."
"Three names are given to a man: the first by his parents, the second by the world, the third by his works."
"The best preacher is the heart, the best teacher time, the best book the world, the best friend God."
"The greatest of heroes is he who turneth an enemy into a friend."
"Study is more meritorious than sacrifice.""A scholar is greater than a prophet.""The soul of man is the lamp of the Lord; the law is light. God's light (the Law), is in man's hands: man's light (the soul), is in God's hands. Respect His light and he will respect thine.""The Gentile who studies the Law is as a High Priest.""Who studies the Law in private, it will proclaim him in public.""Scholars increase the world's peace. They are called builders for they are engaged in upbuilding the world.""I have learnt much from my teachers, more from my fellow students, most from my pupils.""The wise learn from all.""He only is free who engages in the study of the Law.""The aim of learning is moral perfection."
"Study is more meritorious than sacrifice."
"A scholar is greater than a prophet."
"The soul of man is the lamp of the Lord; the law is light. God's light (the Law), is in man's hands: man's light (the soul), is in God's hands. Respect His light and he will respect thine."
"The Gentile who studies the Law is as a High Priest."
"Who studies the Law in private, it will proclaim him in public."
"Scholars increase the world's peace. They are called builders for they are engaged in upbuilding the world."
"I have learnt much from my teachers, more from my fellow students, most from my pupils."
"The wise learn from all."
"He only is free who engages in the study of the Law."
"The aim of learning is moral perfection."
In the days when the Temple was still standing, education of the young formed an important part in the life of the Jewish people. They had schools in and out of Judea. Ignorance was despised. "A fool cannot be pious," 'twas said. The studies to be undertaken in accordance with the age of the children, the previous home preparation, the number to a class, were all carefully planned. The curriculum comprised law and morals deduced from Scripture and rabbinic teaching, history, grammar, languages, according to the time, Aramaic, Persian, Greek or Latin. Also to older scholars—medicine, hygiene, astronomy, botany, zoology.
All Scriptural quotation of flowers were applied to children and schools. "Teacher" was the highest title.
"The world depends on the children in the school.""A city without school-children will be destroyed.""Touch not mine anointed." These are the school-children. "And to my prophets do no harm." These are the disciples of the wise."You should revere your teacher even more than your father. The latter only brought you into this world; the former points the way to the next. But blessed is the son who has learnt from his father, and the father who has instructed his son.""Who does not educate his children is their enemy and his own.""Who is best taught? He who has learnt from his mother.""Who acquires knowledge without imparting it is like a myrtle in a desert.""Who are you whose prayer has alone been answered?" "I am a teacher of little children.""Bestow most care on the children of the poor, for from them will go forth the Law.""Pride is a sign of ignorance.""A single coin in a jar makes the most noise.""The rivalry of scholars advances science.""If thou acquireth knowledge what canst thou lack; if thou lackest knowledge what canst thou acquire!"
"The world depends on the children in the school."
"A city without school-children will be destroyed."
"Touch not mine anointed." These are the school-children. "And to my prophets do no harm." These are the disciples of the wise.
"You should revere your teacher even more than your father. The latter only brought you into this world; the former points the way to the next. But blessed is the son who has learnt from his father, and the father who has instructed his son."
"Who does not educate his children is their enemy and his own."
"Who is best taught? He who has learnt from his mother."
"Who acquires knowledge without imparting it is like a myrtle in a desert."
"Who are you whose prayer has alone been answered?" "I am a teacher of little children."
"Bestow most care on the children of the poor, for from them will go forth the Law."
"Pride is a sign of ignorance."
"A single coin in a jar makes the most noise."
"The rivalry of scholars advances science."
"If thou acquireth knowledge what canst thou lack; if thou lackest knowledge what canst thou acquire!"
"Three share a man: God, father and mother. When one honors mother and father, God says He dwells among them; and in honoring them one honors Him.""Blessed is the generation in which the old listen to the young; doubly blessed when the young listen to the old.""Do not threaten children with punishment you do not intend to inflict.""Only when a parent induces a child to commit sin, is disobedience justifiable.""Do not limit your children to your knowledge, for they were born in another age."Rabbi Eliezar pointed out to his disciples the example of Damah. His mother often abused him, yet all he would say on such occasions was: 'Enough, dear mother, enough.' Once the priests came to him to purchase a jewel. Finding his father resting against the casket in which it lay, he asked them to come later. They offered him a larger price. He replied, 'I would not disturb my father's rest for all the wealth of the world.' They waited. When his father woke he brought the jewel; they tendered him the larger sum offered the second time. He declined it, saying: 'I will not barter the satisfaction of having done by duty, for gold; give me what you first offered and I will be content.'Albini allowed none of his five children to open the door for their grandfather or attend his wants. That privilege must be his. Once his father asked for water. On returning he found the old man asleep. So there he remained, glass in hand, until his father awakened."Reverence mother and father by neither sitting in their seats nor standing in their places, by not interrupting their speech nor criticising their arguments and by giving heed to their wishes.""Support the aged without reference to religion, and the learned without reference to age."
"Three share a man: God, father and mother. When one honors mother and father, God says He dwells among them; and in honoring them one honors Him."
"Blessed is the generation in which the old listen to the young; doubly blessed when the young listen to the old."
"Do not threaten children with punishment you do not intend to inflict."
"Only when a parent induces a child to commit sin, is disobedience justifiable."
"Do not limit your children to your knowledge, for they were born in another age."
Rabbi Eliezar pointed out to his disciples the example of Damah. His mother often abused him, yet all he would say on such occasions was: 'Enough, dear mother, enough.' Once the priests came to him to purchase a jewel. Finding his father resting against the casket in which it lay, he asked them to come later. They offered him a larger price. He replied, 'I would not disturb my father's rest for all the wealth of the world.' They waited. When his father woke he brought the jewel; they tendered him the larger sum offered the second time. He declined it, saying: 'I will not barter the satisfaction of having done by duty, for gold; give me what you first offered and I will be content.'
Albini allowed none of his five children to open the door for their grandfather or attend his wants. That privilege must be his. Once his father asked for water. On returning he found the old man asleep. So there he remained, glass in hand, until his father awakened.
"Reverence mother and father by neither sitting in their seats nor standing in their places, by not interrupting their speech nor criticising their arguments and by giving heed to their wishes."
"Support the aged without reference to religion, and the learned without reference to age."
The exalted place given to woman in Jewish teaching is in pleasing and remarkable contrast with her inferiorposition in the orient and throughout antiquity generally. In some respects she is made subordinate in the Jewish law, and is given a comparatively passive place in religious life; but on the whole the sages of the Talmudic era nobly resisted the example of their environment, in the reverence they paid to womanhood.
"God gave more understanding to woman than to man.""All blessing in the household comes through the wife; therefore should her husband honor her.""Man should consult his wife, treating her as a companion not a plaything; making her what God intended, a help-meet for him.""Be careful not to cause woman to cry, for God counts her tears.""He who loves his wife as himself and honors her more than himself, will train his children rightly."Rab Jose: "I never call my wifewife, buthome.""He who dependeth on his wife's earnings will be deprived of blessing.""Who is rich? Who has a good wife.""Culture in woman is better than gold.""Woman's sense of shame is deeper than man's.""He who has no wife is not a complete man.""Israel was redeemed from Egypt on account of the virtue of its women."
"God gave more understanding to woman than to man."
"All blessing in the household comes through the wife; therefore should her husband honor her."
"Man should consult his wife, treating her as a companion not a plaything; making her what God intended, a help-meet for him."
"Be careful not to cause woman to cry, for God counts her tears."
"He who loves his wife as himself and honors her more than himself, will train his children rightly."
Rab Jose: "I never call my wifewife, buthome."
"He who dependeth on his wife's earnings will be deprived of blessing."
"Who is rich? Who has a good wife."
"Culture in woman is better than gold."
"Woman's sense of shame is deeper than man's."
"He who has no wife is not a complete man."
"Israel was redeemed from Egypt on account of the virtue of its women."
(CONTINUED)
"Work dignifies the worker.""He enjoys life who lives by the work of his hands.""Work is more pleasing in God's sight than ancestral merit.""Strip a carcass in the street and take pay for it, and say not: 'I am a priest or a great man and this work is beneath me.'"The Fourth Commandment makes rest conditional on work."God did not dwell in the midst of Israel till they had built a sanctuary.""Work must not be neglected for study.""He who says 'I have toiled and not found,' believe him not; he who says 'I have not toiled yet have I found,' believe him not.""Who does not bring his son up to a trade teaches him to be a robber.""It is well to add a trade to your studies to be free from sin.""Position cannot honor the man; the man must honor the position.""Famine passes by the workman's door.""Artisans need not interrupt their labors to rise before the passing scholars.""Rather be a menial than a dependent."
"Work dignifies the worker."
"He enjoys life who lives by the work of his hands."
"Work is more pleasing in God's sight than ancestral merit."
"Strip a carcass in the street and take pay for it, and say not: 'I am a priest or a great man and this work is beneath me.'"
The Fourth Commandment makes rest conditional on work.
"God did not dwell in the midst of Israel till they had built a sanctuary."
"Work must not be neglected for study."
"He who says 'I have toiled and not found,' believe him not; he who says 'I have not toiled yet have I found,' believe him not."
"Who does not bring his son up to a trade teaches him to be a robber."
"It is well to add a trade to your studies to be free from sin."
"Position cannot honor the man; the man must honor the position."
"Famine passes by the workman's door."
"Artisans need not interrupt their labors to rise before the passing scholars."
"Rather be a menial than a dependent."
Here is a characteristic bit of rabbinicmidrashon a Bible text: "The dove returned ... and in her mouth an olive leaf" (Gen. viii, 11):—
"She said to the Holy One: 'Rather let my food be as bitter as the olive, but received from Thy hands, than honey-sweet but dependent on the hand of man.'""It is one's duty to support a slave crippled in his employ.""O, River Euphrates, why is thy current not heard? My deeds testify for me; what is sown at my shores will bloom in thirty days.""Judge by deeds not works.""Say little, do much.""Like a tree, man is known by his fruit.""Say not, 'I will do nothing,' because thou canst not do everything.""One good deed leadeth to another.""Thy works commend thee; thy works repel thee.""He who makes another perform a deed, is greater than the doer.""A worthy action done in this world anticipates and leads the doer to the world to come.""When God said to Adam, 'Thorns and thistles shall it (the earth) bring forth for thee,' Adam wept and said: 'Lord of the world, shall I and my ass eat from the same crib?' But when God further said, 'by the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread,' Adam was cheered and comforted."
"She said to the Holy One: 'Rather let my food be as bitter as the olive, but received from Thy hands, than honey-sweet but dependent on the hand of man.'"
"It is one's duty to support a slave crippled in his employ."
"O, River Euphrates, why is thy current not heard? My deeds testify for me; what is sown at my shores will bloom in thirty days."
"Judge by deeds not works."
"Say little, do much."
"Like a tree, man is known by his fruit."
"Say not, 'I will do nothing,' because thou canst not do everything."
"One good deed leadeth to another."
"Thy works commend thee; thy works repel thee."
"He who makes another perform a deed, is greater than the doer."
"A worthy action done in this world anticipates and leads the doer to the world to come."
"When God said to Adam, 'Thorns and thistles shall it (the earth) bring forth for thee,' Adam wept and said: 'Lord of the world, shall I and my ass eat from the same crib?' But when God further said, 'by the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread,' Adam was cheered and comforted."
"Truth is the seal of God.""Jerusalem was destroyed because of the lack of truth-telling people.""Who breaks his word is as one who worships an idol.""Thus is the liar punished: even when he speaks the truth, none hearken.""Truth is heavy, therefore few carry it."
"Truth is the seal of God."
"Jerusalem was destroyed because of the lack of truth-telling people."
"Who breaks his word is as one who worships an idol."
"Thus is the liar punished: even when he speaks the truth, none hearken."
"Truth is heavy, therefore few carry it."
"Let justice pierce the mountain.""The judge who renders a true judgment for but one brief hour, is deemed as though he shared with God in the work of creation.""Judge every man in the scale of merit.""Judge not your neighbor till you stand in his place.""Woe to the generation whose judges must be judged.""Rabbi Phineas hospitably received two strangers. On departing they accidentally left behind them a few measures of barley. They returned a year later. 'Presumably our barley is spoilt by this time: never mind.' 'Nay,' said Phineas, leading them to his barn. He gave them five hundred measures of barley, the product of their few measures, which he had sown in his fields."He who lends on usury is compared to a shedder of blood."Thy neighbor's honor and his possessions should be as dear to thee as thine own.""Be honest in trade: if goods are damaged, acknowledge it.""Credit and mutual trust should be the foundations of commerce."A prince once made a law that a receiver of stolen property should be hanged and the thief go free."Not the mouse but the hole is the thief.""An Israelite must not deceive even an idolater.""Go to sleep without supper, but rise without debt.""Rabbi Simon bought a camel of an Ishmaelite and later discovered diamonds under its saddle. 'The blessing of God maketh rich,' said his overjoyed servant. 'Nay,' rebuked the rabbi: 'Return those diamonds; I bought a camel, not precious stones.'"Alexander, the world conqueror, came across a simple people in Africa who knew not war. He lingered to learn their ways. Two citizens appeared before the chief with this point of dispute. One had bought a piece of land and discovered a treasure in it; he claimed that this belonged to the seller and wished to return it. The seller, on the other hand, declared that he sold the land with all it might contain. So he refused to accept the treasure. The chief, turning to the buyer, said: "Thou hast a son?" "Yes." And addressing the seller: "Thou hast a daughter?" "Yes." "Marry one to the other and make the treasure their marriage portion." They left content. "In my country," said the surprised Alexander, "the disputants would have been imprisoned and the treasure confiscated for the king." "Is your country blessed by sun and rain?" asked the chief. "Yes," replied Alexander. "Does it contain cattle?" "Yes." "Then it must be for the sake of these innocent animals that the sun shines upon it; surely its people are unworthy of such blessing."
"Let justice pierce the mountain."
"The judge who renders a true judgment for but one brief hour, is deemed as though he shared with God in the work of creation."
"Judge every man in the scale of merit."
"Judge not your neighbor till you stand in his place."
"Woe to the generation whose judges must be judged."
"Rabbi Phineas hospitably received two strangers. On departing they accidentally left behind them a few measures of barley. They returned a year later. 'Presumably our barley is spoilt by this time: never mind.' 'Nay,' said Phineas, leading them to his barn. He gave them five hundred measures of barley, the product of their few measures, which he had sown in his fields."
He who lends on usury is compared to a shedder of blood.
"Thy neighbor's honor and his possessions should be as dear to thee as thine own."
"Be honest in trade: if goods are damaged, acknowledge it."
"Credit and mutual trust should be the foundations of commerce."
A prince once made a law that a receiver of stolen property should be hanged and the thief go free.
"Not the mouse but the hole is the thief."
"An Israelite must not deceive even an idolater."
"Go to sleep without supper, but rise without debt."
"Rabbi Simon bought a camel of an Ishmaelite and later discovered diamonds under its saddle. 'The blessing of God maketh rich,' said his overjoyed servant. 'Nay,' rebuked the rabbi: 'Return those diamonds; I bought a camel, not precious stones.'"
Alexander, the world conqueror, came across a simple people in Africa who knew not war. He lingered to learn their ways. Two citizens appeared before the chief with this point of dispute. One had bought a piece of land and discovered a treasure in it; he claimed that this belonged to the seller and wished to return it. The seller, on the other hand, declared that he sold the land with all it might contain. So he refused to accept the treasure. The chief, turning to the buyer, said: "Thou hast a son?" "Yes." And addressing the seller: "Thou hast a daughter?" "Yes." "Marry one to the other and make the treasure their marriage portion." They left content. "In my country," said the surprised Alexander, "the disputants would have been imprisoned and the treasure confiscated for the king." "Is your country blessed by sun and rain?" asked the chief. "Yes," replied Alexander. "Does it contain cattle?" "Yes." "Then it must be for the sake of these innocent animals that the sun shines upon it; surely its people are unworthy of such blessing."
"Whoever showeth compassion is as the seed of Abraham.""Remove from the highway what might endanger the property of others.""To deserve mercy, practice it."A sage, meeting Elijah in the thoroughfare, asked him to reveal the worthiest in the passingthrong. First he singled out a turnkey. "He was kind to his prisoners." Next he pointed out two tradesmen. The sage ran to them and said, "Tell me your saving works." They were surprised. "We are only poor workmen, said to be cheerful and good-natured; we sympathize with people in sorrow and we try to reconcile friends who have quarreled. That is all.""Be not cruel to inferiors.""Rather be thrown into a fiery furnace than bring anyone to public shame.""He who declines to tend the sick and he who hateth his neighbor, are as though they shed blood.""Even though thy left hand pushes from thee, let thy right hand draw towards thee.""Hospitality is a form of divine worship.""Cast no stone in the well from which thou hast drunk.""One should not partake of his own meal until his animals are first provided for.""He who has no mercy on dumb animals should himself suffer pain."While Moses was tending the flock of Jethro he noticed a lamb stray from the fold. He followed it; it did not stop until it reached a pool and there its slaked its thirst. "Thou dear innocent creature," said Moses, "had I but known thy wishes, I myself would have borne thee in my arms to the water." So he gently carried it back to the flock. Then was a voice heard from heaven exclaiming: "Moses, thou hast shown such compassion for the dumb sheep, thou art indeed worthy to be the shepherd of the flock of Israel.""Give me your blessing," said R. Nachman to R. Isaac. He replied, "Thy request reminds me of the story of a weary traveler, who, after the day's exhaustion reached a well-watered date tree. Refreshed by its fruit and rested in its shade, he gratefullydesired to bestow upon it a blessing. 'What can I wish thee; thou already hast foliage, shade, fruit, water; I can but pray that thy offshoots may flourish like thee,' 'Now, R. Nachman, thou already hast learning, wealth, children; I can only wish that thy descendants may be blessed like thee.'"
"Whoever showeth compassion is as the seed of Abraham."
"Remove from the highway what might endanger the property of others."
"To deserve mercy, practice it."
A sage, meeting Elijah in the thoroughfare, asked him to reveal the worthiest in the passingthrong. First he singled out a turnkey. "He was kind to his prisoners." Next he pointed out two tradesmen. The sage ran to them and said, "Tell me your saving works." They were surprised. "We are only poor workmen, said to be cheerful and good-natured; we sympathize with people in sorrow and we try to reconcile friends who have quarreled. That is all."
"Be not cruel to inferiors."
"Rather be thrown into a fiery furnace than bring anyone to public shame."
"He who declines to tend the sick and he who hateth his neighbor, are as though they shed blood."
"Even though thy left hand pushes from thee, let thy right hand draw towards thee."
"Hospitality is a form of divine worship."
"Cast no stone in the well from which thou hast drunk."
"One should not partake of his own meal until his animals are first provided for."
"He who has no mercy on dumb animals should himself suffer pain."
While Moses was tending the flock of Jethro he noticed a lamb stray from the fold. He followed it; it did not stop until it reached a pool and there its slaked its thirst. "Thou dear innocent creature," said Moses, "had I but known thy wishes, I myself would have borne thee in my arms to the water." So he gently carried it back to the flock. Then was a voice heard from heaven exclaiming: "Moses, thou hast shown such compassion for the dumb sheep, thou art indeed worthy to be the shepherd of the flock of Israel."
"Give me your blessing," said R. Nachman to R. Isaac. He replied, "Thy request reminds me of the story of a weary traveler, who, after the day's exhaustion reached a well-watered date tree. Refreshed by its fruit and rested in its shade, he gratefullydesired to bestow upon it a blessing. 'What can I wish thee; thou already hast foliage, shade, fruit, water; I can but pray that thy offshoots may flourish like thee,' 'Now, R. Nachman, thou already hast learning, wealth, children; I can only wish that thy descendants may be blessed like thee.'"
"Charity (righteousness) delivereth from death.""Charity is the salt of wealth.""He gives little who gives much with a frown, he gives much who gives little with a smile.""The truly beneficent seek out the poor.""He who closes the door on the poor may have to open it to the physician.""Charity is greater than alms-giving; alms-giving is a duty to the poor only; charity both to rich and poor.""He who gives charity in secret is greater than Moses.""A miser is as wicked as an idolater.""Even he who depends on charity should practise it."Aben-Judah was the most generous of givers to the needy. But storm and pestilence swept away his wealth. There was left but a single field. In contented faith he maintained his family upon that. He only felt the pangs of poverty when the collectors of the poor called and he had nought to give. Then he and his wife decided to sell half their remaining field and hand the proceeds to the charity collectors. "May the Lord restore thee to thy former prosperity," said they and departed. Turning more assiduously than ever to the plough, that very day he unearthed a treasure. When the collectors called the next year he made up the deficiency of the year preceding. On receiving it they said: "Though manyexceeded thy donation then, yet we had placed thee at the top of the list, knowing that thy small gift came from want of means, not from inclination."King Monobases (the son of Helen of Adiabene, who became a proselyte to Judaism, see p. 139), unlocked his ancestral treasures at a time of famine, and distributed them among the poor. His ministers rebuked him saying, "Thy fathers amassed, thou dost squander." "Nay," said the benevolent king, "they preserved earthly, but I, heavenly treasures; theirs could be stolen, mine are beyond reach; theirs were barren, mine are fruitful; they preserved money, I have preserved lives."Said R. Akiba to the not very charitable Tarphon: "Let me profitably invest some money for you." Tarphon handed his four thousand golden denars. Akiba distributed them among the poor, with the scriptural explanation, "He hath given to the needy, his righteousness endureth forever" (Ps. cxii, 9).
"Charity (righteousness) delivereth from death."
"Charity is the salt of wealth."
"He gives little who gives much with a frown, he gives much who gives little with a smile."
"The truly beneficent seek out the poor."
"He who closes the door on the poor may have to open it to the physician."
"Charity is greater than alms-giving; alms-giving is a duty to the poor only; charity both to rich and poor."
"He who gives charity in secret is greater than Moses."
"A miser is as wicked as an idolater."
"Even he who depends on charity should practise it."
Aben-Judah was the most generous of givers to the needy. But storm and pestilence swept away his wealth. There was left but a single field. In contented faith he maintained his family upon that. He only felt the pangs of poverty when the collectors of the poor called and he had nought to give. Then he and his wife decided to sell half their remaining field and hand the proceeds to the charity collectors. "May the Lord restore thee to thy former prosperity," said they and departed. Turning more assiduously than ever to the plough, that very day he unearthed a treasure. When the collectors called the next year he made up the deficiency of the year preceding. On receiving it they said: "Though manyexceeded thy donation then, yet we had placed thee at the top of the list, knowing that thy small gift came from want of means, not from inclination."
King Monobases (the son of Helen of Adiabene, who became a proselyte to Judaism, see p. 139), unlocked his ancestral treasures at a time of famine, and distributed them among the poor. His ministers rebuked him saying, "Thy fathers amassed, thou dost squander." "Nay," said the benevolent king, "they preserved earthly, but I, heavenly treasures; theirs could be stolen, mine are beyond reach; theirs were barren, mine are fruitful; they preserved money, I have preserved lives."
Said R. Akiba to the not very charitable Tarphon: "Let me profitably invest some money for you." Tarphon handed his four thousand golden denars. Akiba distributed them among the poor, with the scriptural explanation, "He hath given to the needy, his righteousness endureth forever" (Ps. cxii, 9).
"Teach thy tongue to say: I do not know.""Meekness is better than sacrifice.""God teaches us humility. He chose but a low mount, Sinai, from which to promulgate the Decalogue; in a humble bush He revealed himself to Moses; to Elijah, in a still small voice.""Greatness flees from him who seeks it, and seeks him who flees it.""Rather be persecuted than persecutor.""An aged man, whom Abraham hospitably invited to his tent, refused to join him in prayer to the one spiritual God! Learning that he was a fire-worshipper, Abraham drove him from his door. That night God appeared to Abraham in a vision and said: I have borne with that ignorant man forseventy years; could you not have patiently suffered him one night?""Seeking the highest good to bestow on Israel, God found nothing better than affliction." ("Sufferance is the badge of all our tribe,"—Shakespeare.)Rabbi Joshua always advised patience and submission, even under provocation (see pp. 193, 205.) Once he pointed his advice with the apologue of The Lion and the Crane: While devouring prey, the lion got a bone in his throat. He offered a great reward to whomever would remove it. The crane came forward, inserted his long neck down the lion's throat and extracted the bone. He then demanded his reward. "Reward indeed," said the lion; "was it not sufficient reward that I permitted your neck to escape my sacred jaws?"
"Teach thy tongue to say: I do not know."
"Meekness is better than sacrifice."
"God teaches us humility. He chose but a low mount, Sinai, from which to promulgate the Decalogue; in a humble bush He revealed himself to Moses; to Elijah, in a still small voice."
"Greatness flees from him who seeks it, and seeks him who flees it."
"Rather be persecuted than persecutor."
"An aged man, whom Abraham hospitably invited to his tent, refused to join him in prayer to the one spiritual God! Learning that he was a fire-worshipper, Abraham drove him from his door. That night God appeared to Abraham in a vision and said: I have borne with that ignorant man forseventy years; could you not have patiently suffered him one night?"
"Seeking the highest good to bestow on Israel, God found nothing better than affliction." ("Sufferance is the badge of all our tribe,"—Shakespeare.)
Rabbi Joshua always advised patience and submission, even under provocation (see pp. 193, 205.) Once he pointed his advice with the apologue of The Lion and the Crane: While devouring prey, the lion got a bone in his throat. He offered a great reward to whomever would remove it. The crane came forward, inserted his long neck down the lion's throat and extracted the bone. He then demanded his reward. "Reward indeed," said the lion; "was it not sufficient reward that I permitted your neck to escape my sacred jaws?"
Make the application to Israel.
A lover, called from the side of his plighted wife, sent letters to her, faithfully promising to return. Long she waited and many mocked and taunted her. But each time she read her lover's letters, her waning faith was strengthened.Suffering Israel is the maiden; the unseen God her faithful lover; and the Scriptural promises of redemption are His letters.(Compare Akiba story p. 209).
A lover, called from the side of his plighted wife, sent letters to her, faithfully promising to return. Long she waited and many mocked and taunted her. But each time she read her lover's letters, her waning faith was strengthened.
Suffering Israel is the maiden; the unseen God her faithful lover; and the Scriptural promises of redemption are His letters.
(Compare Akiba story p. 209).
"Put not yourself in the way of temptation, for even David could not resist it.""What the sages have forbidden on account of appearances, is forbidden even in one's innermost chamber.""Commit a sin twice and you will think it sin no more." The first step counts."Evil passion is at first like a cobweb, and at last like a rope.""The only indication of the Messiah's advent will be the disappearance of oppression.""Beware of evil's small beginnings; Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph led to Israel's Egyptian captivity.""What is the idol man carries within him—his evil passion.""Sinful thoughts are worse than sin.""A sinner is foolish as well as wicked.""The end does not justify the means.""He who deceives his neighbor would deceive God.""He who denies his guilt doubles his guilt.""Sin begets sin.""Ill weeds grow apace; neglect is their gardener.""Slander is a species of murder.""Arrogance is a kingdom without a crown.""The usurer will have no share in the future life.""He who can testify in his neighbor's behalf and does not, is a transgressor.""It is sinful to hate but noble to forgive.""Say not 'sin cometh from God.' He giveth free choice of life and death.""The wicked, even while living, are called dead."R. Simeon said: The whole community must bear the blame of the individual sinner, emphasizing his lesson with this illustration:—Here is a boat-load of passengers. One proceeds to bore a hole through his seat, saying, "I am only piercing my own place." What happens? (Draw the inference.)
"Put not yourself in the way of temptation, for even David could not resist it."
"What the sages have forbidden on account of appearances, is forbidden even in one's innermost chamber."
"Commit a sin twice and you will think it sin no more." The first step counts.
"Evil passion is at first like a cobweb, and at last like a rope."
"The only indication of the Messiah's advent will be the disappearance of oppression."
"Beware of evil's small beginnings; Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph led to Israel's Egyptian captivity."
"What is the idol man carries within him—his evil passion."
"Sinful thoughts are worse than sin."
"A sinner is foolish as well as wicked."
"The end does not justify the means."
"He who deceives his neighbor would deceive God."
"He who denies his guilt doubles his guilt."
"Sin begets sin."
"Ill weeds grow apace; neglect is their gardener."
"Slander is a species of murder."
"Arrogance is a kingdom without a crown."
"The usurer will have no share in the future life."
"He who can testify in his neighbor's behalf and does not, is a transgressor."
"It is sinful to hate but noble to forgive."
"Say not 'sin cometh from God.' He giveth free choice of life and death."
"The wicked, even while living, are called dead."
R. Simeon said: The whole community must bear the blame of the individual sinner, emphasizing his lesson with this illustration:—Here is a boat-load of passengers. One proceeds to bore a hole through his seat, saying, "I am only piercing my own place." What happens? (Draw the inference.)
"There is no repentance without reparation.""Better is an hour in repentance and good deeds in this world than all the world to come; thoughbetter is an hour of the world to come than the whole of this world.""Even when the gates of prayer are closed, the gates of tears are open.""When a man has turned from sin, reproach him no more.""One who has sinned and repented stands higher in God's favor than the completely righteous.""Repent one day before thy death." i.e. repent every day."Improve thyself and then improve others.""Love those that reprove thee, hate those that flatter thee.""The love that shirks from reproof is no love.""He who does a worthy deed acquires an advocate.""As the ocean never freezes, so the gate of repentance is never closed.""If you wish your fast to be acceptable to God let it be accompanied by acts of charity and good-will." (see Isaiah lviii.)"He who says 'I will sin and repent, I will sin again and repent again,' will ultimately lose power to repent."A ship once anchored at a beautiful island waiting for a favorable wind. An opportunity was offered the passengers to go ashore. Some thought it safer not to leave the ship at all; the wind might rise, the anchor be raised and they would be left stranded. Others went to the island for a while to explore it, eat of its fruits and enjoy its beauties and returned to the ship refreshed and enlightened by the experience. A third group lingered rather long and scurried back as the ship was departing; but they lost their choice places on the boat for the rest of the journey. A fourth party indulged so freely in the island's pleasures, that it was hardto stir them when the ship rang its bell. "There is no hurry," so they lingered. Only after the last warning they made a wild rush, and had to clamber up the ship's sides; so they reached it, bruised and maimed; nor were their wounds quite healed at the close of the voyage. There was a fifth group alas, who drank so deeply and reveled so wildly that they heard neither bell nor warning. The ship started without them and at night-fall wild beasts emerged from their lairs and destroyed them.Develop the analogy as a story of life.
"There is no repentance without reparation."
"Better is an hour in repentance and good deeds in this world than all the world to come; thoughbetter is an hour of the world to come than the whole of this world."
"Even when the gates of prayer are closed, the gates of tears are open."
"When a man has turned from sin, reproach him no more."
"One who has sinned and repented stands higher in God's favor than the completely righteous."
"Repent one day before thy death." i.e. repent every day.
"Improve thyself and then improve others."
"Love those that reprove thee, hate those that flatter thee."
"The love that shirks from reproof is no love."
"He who does a worthy deed acquires an advocate."
"As the ocean never freezes, so the gate of repentance is never closed."
"If you wish your fast to be acceptable to God let it be accompanied by acts of charity and good-will." (see Isaiah lviii.)
"He who says 'I will sin and repent, I will sin again and repent again,' will ultimately lose power to repent."
A ship once anchored at a beautiful island waiting for a favorable wind. An opportunity was offered the passengers to go ashore. Some thought it safer not to leave the ship at all; the wind might rise, the anchor be raised and they would be left stranded. Others went to the island for a while to explore it, eat of its fruits and enjoy its beauties and returned to the ship refreshed and enlightened by the experience. A third group lingered rather long and scurried back as the ship was departing; but they lost their choice places on the boat for the rest of the journey. A fourth party indulged so freely in the island's pleasures, that it was hardto stir them when the ship rang its bell. "There is no hurry," so they lingered. Only after the last warning they made a wild rush, and had to clamber up the ship's sides; so they reached it, bruised and maimed; nor were their wounds quite healed at the close of the voyage. There was a fifth group alas, who drank so deeply and reveled so wildly that they heard neither bell nor warning. The ship started without them and at night-fall wild beasts emerged from their lairs and destroyed them.
Develop the analogy as a story of life.
"Weep for the living mourners, not for the dead.""Attempt not to comfort one when his dead lie before him.""None are responsible for their words in time of grief.""Trust not thyself till the day of thy death.""This world is the vestibule; the world to come the palace."To a denier of resurrection R. Gabiha said: "If what never before existed, exists, why may not that which once existed, exist again?""The longest life is insufficient for the fulfilment of half man's desire.""One hour may win future life.""He who makes the sorrowful rejoice will partake of life everlasting.""After death one is not accompanied by his gold or his jewels but by his knowledge (Torah) and his good deeds." (see note on Immortality p. 44.)Alexander reached the gate of Paradise. "Who is there," asked the guardian angel. "Alexander the Great." "We know him not, only the righteous enter here." Then he more humbly asked for a proofthat he had reached the heavenly gate, and a piece of a skull was given to him! Alexander's sages proceeded to test it and finally placed it in one scale as a balance. They poured gold in the other scale, but the small bone weighed heavier. Alexander added his crown-jewels and diadem. The bone out-weighed them all. Then a sage placed a few grains of dust on the bone; up flew the scale! The bone was the setting of the eye. It is never satisfied until covered by the dust of the grave.
"Weep for the living mourners, not for the dead."
"Attempt not to comfort one when his dead lie before him."
"None are responsible for their words in time of grief."
"Trust not thyself till the day of thy death."
"This world is the vestibule; the world to come the palace."
To a denier of resurrection R. Gabiha said: "If what never before existed, exists, why may not that which once existed, exist again?"
"The longest life is insufficient for the fulfilment of half man's desire."
"One hour may win future life."
"He who makes the sorrowful rejoice will partake of life everlasting."
"After death one is not accompanied by his gold or his jewels but by his knowledge (Torah) and his good deeds." (see note on Immortality p. 44.)
Alexander reached the gate of Paradise. "Who is there," asked the guardian angel. "Alexander the Great." "We know him not, only the righteous enter here." Then he more humbly asked for a proofthat he had reached the heavenly gate, and a piece of a skull was given to him! Alexander's sages proceeded to test it and finally placed it in one scale as a balance. They poured gold in the other scale, but the small bone weighed heavier. Alexander added his crown-jewels and diadem. The bone out-weighed them all. Then a sage placed a few grains of dust on the bone; up flew the scale! The bone was the setting of the eye. It is never satisfied until covered by the dust of the grave.
"When the wine is in, the secret is out.""A man's character may be tested in his portion (generosity), in his potion (wine-cup), and in his passion.""If thou tellest thy secret to three persons, ten know it.""A light for one is a light for a hundred.""The sun will set without thy assistance.""The soldiers fight; the kings are heroes.""Life is lent, death is the creditor.""If speech in season is worth one piece of silver, silence in season is worth two.""Silence is good for wise men; how much more for fools.""Wisdom increaseth with age,—so does folly.""The poor who owe nought are rich; the old without ailment are young; the learned without religion are foolish.""Thy yesterday is thy past; thy to-day is thy future; thy to-morrow—is a secret.""Sufficient for the hour is its trouble.""Use thy best vase to-day; to-morrow it may be broken."Said an Athenian to a Hebrew lad:"Here is aPruta(a tiny coin); buy me somethingof which I may eat enough, leave some for my host and carry some home to my family." The boy broughtsalt.A would-be wit took an iron mortar to a tailor, saying: "Put a patch upon it." "I will, if you will make me some thread of this sand."R. Gamaliel bade his servant bring him something good from the market. He brought—a tongue. To test his judgment, he was next asked to bring something bad; he brought—a tongue. "If good there is nothing better; if bad there is nothing worse.""Life and death are in the power of the tongue.""Why should I be slave," said the serpent's tail to its head; "let me lead." "Lead on." First it dragged the body into a miry ditch; no sooner did it emerge than it became entangled in a thicket. Bruised and torn the serpent was extricated only finally to be led into a furnace."When the pitcher falls upon the stone, woe to the pitcher; when the stone falls upon the pitcher, woe to the pitcher; whatever mishap, woe to the pitcher.""Money, lacking for necessity, is found for superfluity.""Peace is the wisp of straw that bindeth the sheaf of blessings.""Discord is the cistern-leak whence drop by drop all the water escapes."R. Joshua met a little girl by the way and asked for some water. She handed him her pitcher, saying: "I will also draw some for the beast on which thou ridest." Quenching his thirst he said: "Daughter of Israel, thou hast followed the worthy example of Rebecca." "Rabbi," said she archly, "Thou hast not imitated the example of Eleazar" (Gen. xxiv 22).
"When the wine is in, the secret is out."
"A man's character may be tested in his portion (generosity), in his potion (wine-cup), and in his passion."
"If thou tellest thy secret to three persons, ten know it."
"A light for one is a light for a hundred."
"The sun will set without thy assistance."
"The soldiers fight; the kings are heroes."
"Life is lent, death is the creditor."
"If speech in season is worth one piece of silver, silence in season is worth two."
"Silence is good for wise men; how much more for fools."
"Wisdom increaseth with age,—so does folly."
"The poor who owe nought are rich; the old without ailment are young; the learned without religion are foolish."
"Thy yesterday is thy past; thy to-day is thy future; thy to-morrow—is a secret."
"Sufficient for the hour is its trouble."
"Use thy best vase to-day; to-morrow it may be broken."
Said an Athenian to a Hebrew lad:
"Here is aPruta(a tiny coin); buy me somethingof which I may eat enough, leave some for my host and carry some home to my family." The boy broughtsalt.
A would-be wit took an iron mortar to a tailor, saying: "Put a patch upon it." "I will, if you will make me some thread of this sand."
R. Gamaliel bade his servant bring him something good from the market. He brought—a tongue. To test his judgment, he was next asked to bring something bad; he brought—a tongue. "If good there is nothing better; if bad there is nothing worse."
"Life and death are in the power of the tongue."
"Why should I be slave," said the serpent's tail to its head; "let me lead." "Lead on." First it dragged the body into a miry ditch; no sooner did it emerge than it became entangled in a thicket. Bruised and torn the serpent was extricated only finally to be led into a furnace.
"When the pitcher falls upon the stone, woe to the pitcher; when the stone falls upon the pitcher, woe to the pitcher; whatever mishap, woe to the pitcher."
"Money, lacking for necessity, is found for superfluity."
"Peace is the wisp of straw that bindeth the sheaf of blessings."
"Discord is the cistern-leak whence drop by drop all the water escapes."
R. Joshua met a little girl by the way and asked for some water. She handed him her pitcher, saying: "I will also draw some for the beast on which thou ridest." Quenching his thirst he said: "Daughter of Israel, thou hast followed the worthy example of Rebecca." "Rabbi," said she archly, "Thou hast not imitated the example of Eleazar" (Gen. xxiv 22).
All the Agada material scattered through the Talmud has been gathered into one book called "The Eye of Jacob" (after the name of its author). But popular collections more or less complete have been made in modern tongues. Among these may be mentioned:—RabbinischeBlumenlese by Leopold Dukes;Parabeln, Legenden und Gedanken aus dem Talmud, by Ludwig Seligman;Stories and Sayings from the Talmud, Katie Magnus;Gems from the Talmudby Isidore Myers, the quotations given in the original and translated into English verse:Hebrew Tales, Hyman Hurwitz;600 Talmudic Sayings, Henry Cohen;Selections from the Talmud, H. Polano.
Immortality of the Soul: Zillah.H. L. Harris.