We talk about good, moral human beings and about bad, immoral ones. But how does one become a good, moral person? Is it what society expects or private decision making? Either way why do we need Torah? Nowadays many people argue that our genes decide for us whether we are “good” or “bad.” The trouble is that if you are…
Parsha Kedoshim
Jewish Morality
This week’s reading, according to the Midrash was delivered publicly and specifically to the Children of Israel as a group, because “most of the important principles of the Torah can be found here.” When one looks at the text one can see why this is so. For example, love you neighbor as yourself. Do not hate your neighbor. Do not…
Who is a Good Person?
This week’s reading is the most significant in all the Torah for those who want to see Judaism as an ethical system. Here are some of the ethical laws we will read Don’t steal, deceive or lie. Don’t oppress or rob your neighbor. Don’t delay paying your worker’s wages. Consider the needs of the poor. Don’t curse a deaf person…
Parents
The fifth of the Ten Commandments is “Honor your father and your mother” Exodus 20. In this week’s reading, Leviticus 19, we have a variation. “A person should fear his mother and his father.” Notice how the order of the parents is inverted. The Rabbis say that since one’s natural tendency is to honor one’s mother more than one’s father.…