- - - - - - - - * , - *- • - - --- WIT AND WISDOM OF THE TALMUD. º. EDITED BY - *~ º ºn MADISON C. PETERS Author of "Justice to the Jew,” etc. WITH AN INTRODUCTION By RABBI H. PEREIRA MENDES is Rew YORK THE BAKER & TAYLOR CO. 5 AND 7 EAST SixtEENTH STREET TO tRabbi 3. Teomato TLevy, OF PHILADELPHIA THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED BY THE EDITOR PREFACE WHILE gathering the facts for “Justice to the Jew,” I chanced upon so many wise pro- verbs, witty sayings, beautiful parables, and quaint legends of the Talmud, that I became intensely interested in this remarkable literary production of antiquity. In its twelve folio' volumes it embodies the mental labors of the ancient Jewish teachers during the period of. about eight hundred years. After a lecture at a Western university, by a well-known Rabbi, one of his hearers went to him and said: “I came to hear “The Tal- mud,” in order to know what kind of mud it is,” confessing his utter ignorance as to the very name (Talmud, Study, from lamad, to learn). I once asked one of the most brilliantly gifted preachers in New York, if he had ever read anything from ‘the Talmud.” “No,” ne answered, “only a few sentences which 5 6 Tyreface now and then I have met by chance.” Then I determined I would add to my Talmudic col- lection, which I had made for personal use, and give the Christian public some idea of the book which has been so remarkably powerful in the influence it exercised upon the thought and life of the Jews during the middle ages, and even down to the present time. I believe that readers will find this volume of incalcu- lable value in the pursuit of wisdom, helpful in gaining a knowledge of the Jewish religion, and, I hope, that it will lead Christian schol- ars to study the subject further. Among scores of other periodicals and books consulted, I beg to acknowledge my indebtedness to the following works: “Parabeln, Legenden und Gedanken, aus dem Tal- mud,” by Ludwig Seligman. “The Poetry of the Talmud,” by S. Sekles. “Rabbinische Blumenlese,” by Leopold Dukes. “The Talmud,” by Emanuel Deutsch. “Talmudic Sayings,” by Rabbi Henry Cohen. “Talmudic Legends,” by L. Weiss. “Translations of the Talmud,” by Polano. Rodkinson’s “Talmud.” “Introduction to the Talmud,” by Mielziner. Hershon's “Genesis,” and the Prayer-book. MADISON C. PETERS. INTRODUCTION THE Torah (or law) was given A.M. 2448. From the following forty years of the desert- life down to the present day, countless rulings, precedents, etc., have accumulated. Some are indicated in various passages in the Bible, e.g., ceremonies or rules observed in mourning, or have come to us by tradition. Rabbi Judah Hanassi, surnamed the Holy, collected all attainable and published them in what we call the Mishna, A.M. 3980. The Mishna contains six sections or Se- darim. Each section or Seder contains Mas- sechtoth or treatises, as follows: Section I: Seeds.-After a chapter devoted to the benedictions, it treats of tithes, first fruits, sacrifices, and gifts due from the prod- uce of the land to the priests, the Levites, and the poor; of the cessation of agricultural labor during the Sabbatic year; and of the prohib- 7 8 1mtrobuction ited mixtures in seeds and in grafting.—In all eleven treatises. Section II: Feasts.-Of the Sabbath and Sabbath rest, of feasts and fasts: Passover, Tabernacles, New Year, the Day of Atone- ment, and the Fasts; of work forbidden, cere- monies to be observed, and sacrifices to be brought on those days.-Twelve treatises. Section III: Women.—The legislation con- cerning marriage, divorce, the levirate mar- riage, and adultery; vows and the regulations for the Nazirite.—Seven treatises. Section IV: Fines.—Civil legislation, be- sides a tractate on idolatry, and one called Aboth, consisting of a collection of the ethical sentences of the Rabbis. This section treats of commercial transactions, purchases, sales, mortgages, prescriptions, etc.; of legal pro- cedure, of the organization of tribunals, of witnesses, oaths, etc.—Ten treatises. Section V: Sacred Things.-The legisla- tion concerning sacrifices, the first-born, clean and unclean animals; the description of Her- od's Temple.—Eleven treatises. Section VI: Purifications.—Laws concern- ing Levitical cleanness and uncleanness; clean Introbuction 9 and unclean persons and things, objects capa- ble of becoming unclean by contact. Purifica- tions.—Twelve treatises. Many decisions not included by Rabbi Jehudah, because not considered by him suf- \ ficiently authoritative, or because they were merely repetitions, were collected later under the name of Boraithoth in a work called the Tosiphtha, or Addition (Supplement), by Rab- bis Hiya and Oshaya of Babylon. Yet other Boraithoth are to be found in the Gemara. The Gemara is a comment on the Mishna, just as the Mishna is a comment on the Torah or Law. One Gemara, the work of the Pal- estine schools, inaccurately but generally called the Jerusalem Talmud, was edited in Tiberias about 380 C.E. The other, much larger, better known and constituting what is meant when the word “Talmud '' is used, is the work of the Babylonian schools, and was edited by Rabbi Ashi and his disciple, Rabbi José, about 500 C.E. This is usually pub- lished with the commentary of the celebrated Rashi, and with comments called Tosephoth. The Rabbis identified with the Mishna are called Tanaim, or teachers; those of the Ge- t IO fintrobuction mara are called Amoraim, or speakers, and the latter commentators are called Seburaim, or opinionists. Imagine the debates, evidence or testimony, assertions, opinions, pro and con, identified with processes of Law that continue through centuries. How much extraneous matter must naturally be met with! Imagine the debates, evidence, assertions, opinions, etc., pro and con, identified with processes of Law of only one year, of only one court, of only one modern city. How much in- formation will be incidentally stated! It is not surprising, therefore, that we find in- cidentally stated in the Talmud much that may seem to have nothing to do with the case in point, but which is incidentally of value to a future student of men and manners, of value to historian, antiquarian, ethnologist, scien- tist, of value to preacher, lawyer, physician or other scientists, and of value to artisan, house- wife, humorist and philosopher. We can, if we like, dig out of the Talmud —as dishonest Christians and despicable con- verted Jews have done—sentences which show the Talmud in a bad light. To con- demn the Talmud or the Jews as a whole introbuction 1 I for such sentences is as silly as to con- demn French history and Frenchmen as a na- tion, for such songs of revenge, due to the war of 1870, as “No shield henceforth but hate, hate equal to the enemy's,” or as Victor Hugo has it: “Poison the wells, the sleeping murder, Kill them with axes, pitchforks and scythes.” (See Lazarus, Ethics of Judaism, p. 262, Jewish Pub. Soc. of America.) Such sentences do not interpret the true, natural spirit, but only a passing emotion due to sudden contingency. For man is human, and even a tenderhearted mother will utter imprecations on a foe who snatches her infant and hurls it to death. We Hebrews have suf- fered such outrages—and more. It would be strange, indeed, if some of our fathers and mothers did not cry out against the treatment received from pagan and Christian (?)! They were only human, after all. But let us see what is the recognized and legal attitude of Jew to Gentile, according to Jewish Law. “The Law was revealed publicly in the un- claimed desert. If it had been revealed in the I2 fintrobuction land of Israel, the Israelites might have main- tained that other nations had no part in it. Therefore, it was published in the open desert; it is the property of the whole world; every- one is at liberty to assume the responsibilities it imposes. (Mechilta Yithro. Parashat Bach- odesh.) “Every house a temple, every heart an altar, every human being a priest " (Cf. Laz- arus, ibid., page 35). “Not priest, not Levite, not Israelite, but man is bearer of the Law. Moses declares not that Israel is the only son of God, but that he is only His first-born. Israel is my son, my first-born (Exod. v. 22), and twice, on most solemn occasions, once when mutiny threatened ruin to the people, and once when his successor was to be ap- pointed, Moses appeals not to the God of the Hebrews, but to the God of the Spirits of all Flesh. (Numbers xvi. 22; xxvii. 16.) The Temple of Solomon was consecrated not that only Hebrews might know, but “in order that all the peoples of the earth might know that the Lord is God’’ (I K. viii. 60), and in his consecration prayer he prayed that “Moreover concerning a stranger, that is I4 ſmtroouction up the grand ideal of Jewish teaching, the universal Fatherhood of God. “Have we not all one Father ” (Malachi ii. Io). Furthermore, the admonition, “Seek ye the peace of the city’’ (Jerem. xxix. 7); which is to this day the incentive to identification with the best interests of the city or community and the realization of the ideal of the prophet and dream of the poet, or Zionism, means nothing but the establishment of our nation, not for our nation's glory or advantage, but for the advantage and benefit of the world. For there the court of international arbitration will rid the world of the crime, curse and cost of war. (Isa. ii. 4; Micah iv. 3.) Thence will spread the knowledge of the Lord, to fill earth (it does not say to fill Palestine only) with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Isa. xi. 9.) Then “Loving-kindness and Truth shall meet, Righteousness and Peace embrace; Truth shall spring forth from Earth and Charity look down from Heaven.” (Ps. lxxxv. II, 12.) And the fact that it is a Jewish axiom that the righteous of all nations have a portion in the future world shows the true catholic spirit : s Of the Calmuo I9 ADVICE Not as thou sayest, but as thy fellows say. -62 Too many captains sink the ship. ~€a Hear sixty advisers, but be guided by your own conviction. ~62 The action of a fool cannot serve as a pre- cedent. ~62 Poor servants ask advice after a thing has happened. ~62 \ - A thing to which a fool does not consent, know as the right thing. AGE None may be called venerable save the wise. 2O (Ulit amo (Uligoom Happy is the old age that atones for the follies of youth; but happier still the youth for which old age needs not to blush. ~62 An old man is a trouble in the house; an old woman is a treasure in the house. ANCESTRY He who has no inner nobleness has nothing, even if he be of noble birth. AMBITION Alexander the Great, in his travels amidst the deserts and barren lands, came at last to a river which flowed between two verdant shores. The surface of the water was quite smooth, and not the slightest breeze was per- ceptible. It was the picture of contentment and silently seemed to say: Behold here the seat of peace and quietness. Thousands of happy thoughts this beautiful scenery might Of the Oſalmut) 2I - have produced in a contemplating mind; but what could have soothed Alexander, who was full of ambitious plans, whose ear had become accustomed to the clashing of arms, and the groans of the dying warrior? Alexander con- tinued his journey, but he soon felt exhausted, and was obliged to seek for rest. He fixed his tent on the shores of a river, drank some water thereof, which seemed to him very re- freshing, being of a sweet and agreeable taste, and even spread a sweet fragrance all over the place. “Surely,” said he, “this river, en- joying such peculiar advantages, must take its source in a country rich in blessings. Let us find out whence it springeth.” Following thus for some time the shores of the river, he at length arrived at the gates of paradise. These were closed, and he knocked, demand- ing in his usual peremptory manner to be ad- mitted at once. “Thou canst not have admission here,” a voice from within called unto him; “this is the gate of the Master.” “I am the Master, Lord of the whole earth,” replied the impa- tient monarch. “I am Alexander the con- queror. What! do you hesitate to admit me?” 22 (Ulit amo (UligöOm “No,” he was answered, “here no conqueror is known but he who conquers his passions; the just only are allowed to enter here.” Alexander tried hard to get admittance, but neither threats nor entreaties had any ef- fect. He then said to the keeper who held watch at the gates of paradise: “You know that I am a great king, who has received the homage of many nations; if you really refuse to admit me, give me at least some kind of a keepsake, in order that I may surprise the world in showing that I have been as far as this, the place which no mere mortal ever reaches.” “Here, silly man,” replied the keeper, “here I give you something which can heal all sorrows. Moreover, one glance at it will teach you wisdom, such as you have never thought to be master of ! Now, go your way.” Alexander took hastily what was given him and then returned to his tent. But how as- tonished was he, when perceiving that his present was nothing but part of a human skull! “This, then, is the nice keepsake,” he said, “which they offer to a king and a hero Of the Calmut) 23 like me! This, then, is the fruit of all my labor, all the dangers and troubles I have hitherto undergone!” Enraged, and disap- pointed in his hopes, he threw away the mis- erable portion of the mortal integument. “Great king,” said a wise man, who noticed the act, “do not despise this present, however insignificant it may appear in your eyes; it possesses, nevertheless, extraordinary quali- ties, of which you may soon convince your- self by weighing it with gold or silver.” Al- exander said he would like to try, and, order- ing a pair of scales, placed the skull in one and gold in the other. He was immediately surprised to find the one containing the skull going down. More gold was fetched, and the more they put on the scale, the more it went up. “It is extraordinary,” said Alexander, “that such a small portion of matter should outweigh so much gold. Is there no counter- balance to be had, in order to produce an equilibrium?” “Certainly,” said the wise man, “very little will suffice.” Whereupon he took a small por- tion of earth and covered the bone with it, which caused the scale in which it lay to rise 24 (Ulit amo (UligöOm immediately. “This is certainly very singu- lar!” Alexander now exclaimed, “ Could you not explain to me this remarkable phenome- non?” “Great king,” replied the wise man, “this fragment of bone is the part in which the human eye is enclosed, and, although in its extent limited, it is nevertheless unlimited in its desires; the more it has, the more it wants; neither gold nor silver, nor any earthly possession, is able to satiate its wishes. But being once in the grave and covered with earth, there it finds a limit for all its eager desires.” ANGER Anger profiteth nobody. Avoid anger and thou wilt not sin. ~62 Anger showeth the character of a man. ~£2 To accept excuse shows a good disposition. Of the Oſalmut) 25 The beginning of anger is madness, the end penitence. -62 He who gives way to his wrath makes desolate his house. 2-62 When the wise is angry, he is wise no longer. ~62 A man may be known by three things: by his conduct in money matters, his behavior at the table and his demeanor when angry. -62 Be not easily moved to anger. ~62 To him who curbs his wrath, his sins will be forgiven. ~62 He who is slow to anger and easily pacified is truly pious and virtuous. 26 (Ulſt amo (Oligoom APPEARANCES Two pieces of coin in one bag make more noise than a hundred. ~62 Look not at the cask, but at what is in it. A new cask may contain old wine, and an old one may be altogether empty. -62 Where the sages bid us beware for the sake of outward appearances, they mean us to re- gard even our innermost chamber as a market- place. ARROGANCE Arrogance is a kingdom without a crown. ASSOCIATES Ever associate with the good. ~62 From vagrants chit-chat, from rags vermin. Of the Cºalmillo 27 If thy associates be insane, be thou sensible. ~62 We may say to the bee, neither thy honey nor thy sting. ~€a Birds of a feather flock together; and so with men—like to like. 2-62 Associate not with the wicked man, even if thou canst learn from him. ~62 A man without a fitting companion is like the left hand without the right. ~£2 Not without reason goes the crow to the raven, but because it is of its kind. -e If you touch pitch, it will stick to your fin- gers; even so, if you associate with evil com- panions, you will acquire their vices. Of the Calmud 29 the Lie, too, asked admittance into the ark. Noah, however, refused. “Only pairs may enter here,” he said. The Lie went in search of a companion, and at last met Vice, whom it invited to go to the ark. “I am willing to keep company with thee, if thou wilt promise to give me all thy earnings,” said Vice. The Lie agreed, and they were both admitted into the ark. After they left the ark the Lie re- gretted her agreement, and wished to dissolve partnership with Vice; but it was too late, and thus it is current, that “what Lie earneth, Vice consumeth.” BRIBERY A judge that takes a bribe, even if he be otherwise perfectly righteous, will not depart from the world before he has become de- mented. BUSINESS He laid his money on the horns of a deer. 3O (Ulſt amo (ſligöOm Attend no auctions if thou hast no money. ~62 Keep partners with him whom the hour fa- VOTS. ~62 If thy business does not prosper in one town try another. -62 He who looks daily after his field finds a COT11. CARE Let not your heart with cares be filled, for care has many a victim killed. 2-62 Do not worry thyself with the trouble of to-morrow; perhaps thou wilt have no to- morrow, and why shouldst thou trouble thy- self about a world that is not thine? Of the Calmut) 3I CLEANLINESS Poverty comes from God, but not dirt. CONCEIT Ignorance and conceit go hand in hand. CONSISTENCY Beautiful are the admonitions of those whose lives accord with their teachings. 2-62 Take out the beam from thine eye. ~62 First correct thyself, then correct others. CHARACTER Three names are given to a man: one by his parents, another by the world, and the third by his works—the one which is written in the immortal book of his fate. Which of these three names is the best? Solomon 32 (Ulſt amo (UligöOm teaches us, when he says: “A good name is better than the sweetest oil.” ~€2 As a tree is known by its fruit, so man by his works. ~62 There are three crowns: that of the Law, the priesthood, and royalty; but the crown of a good name is loftier than all these. ~62 The righteous man is a pillar upon which all the world rests. CHARITY Charity is the salt of riches. -o Charity is the greatest virtue. ~62 Charity is more than sacrifices. Of the Uſalmut) 33 Good deeds are better than creeds. -62 He who gives charity in secret is greater than Moses. ~62 Even he who lives upon charity should practise benevolence. 2-62 It is better to lend than to give. To give employment is better than either. 2-62 The practice of beneficence will assure the maintenance of one's possessions. -62 Our kindly deeds and our generous gifts go to heaven as messengers, and plead for us before our heavenly Father. 2-62 He who turns away from the works of love and charity, turns away from God. 34 (Ulit amo (UligöOm The merit of charitable works is in propor- tion to the grace with which they are prac- ticed. -62 The noblest of all charities is in enabling the poor to earn a livelihood. ~62 Charity is more valuable than sacrifices, and alone equals the exercise of all religious forms. ~62 As a garment is made up of single threads, So every single gift aids in building the great work of charity. ~62 It is our duty to relieve the poor and the needy, to visit the sick and bury the dead without distinction of race or creed. 2-62 Whosoever engages in the study of the of the Calmut 35 Law, and does not practise benevolence, is to be compared to a man who has no God. -62 Spending alms and practising benevolence exceed in importance all the other laws of the Torah. -62 The house that does not open to the poor will open to the physician. 2-62 He gives little who gives with a frown. He gives much who gives little with a smile. ~62 The world stands on three things: on Law, Labor, and Benevolence. ~62 He who performs a single good action gains for himself an Advocate, and he who commits a single sin procures for himself an Accuser, 36 (Ulſt amo (Uligoom Iron breaks stone; fire melts iron; water extinguishes fire; the clouds consume water; the storm dispels clouds; man withstands the storm; fear conquers man; wine banishes fear; sleep overcomes wine, and death is the master of sleep; but “Charity,” says Solo- mon, “saves from death.” -62 Four dispositions are found among those who bestow charity. There is he who is will- ing to give, but does not wish others to give: he has an envious eye towards others. There is he who wishes others to give, but who will not give himself: he has an evil eye towards himself. He who is willing to give and wishes others to give also, is a pious man. He who neither gives himself nor wishes others to give, is a wicked man. -62 Blessed is he who gives from his substance to the poor; twice blessed he who accompa- nies his gift with kind, comforting words. Of the Calmut) 37 Almsgiving is practised by means of money, but charity also by personal services and by words of advice, sympathy, and en- couragement. Almsgiving is a duty towards the poor only, but charity towards the rich as well as the poor, nay, even towards the dead (by taking care of their decent burial). ~62 Charitable people silence the complaints of the poor. God says to these pious ones: “By your liberality you reconcile the poor man with Myself; you make peace between us.” ~62 He who is continually struggling with pov- erty is often enticed, on account of his suffer- ings, to murmur against an all-wise Provi- dence. He frequently thinks: “Am I not also God's creature? Why does there exist such difference between me and the wealthy? He sleeps quietly in his splendid mansion, and I have to lie in my miserable hut; he sleeps 38 (Vlit amb Ulisoom in his soft bed, and I am obliged to take my rest on the hard floor.” Man possesses three sorts of friends in this world: his children, his wealth, and his Good Works. In the hour of death he calls his children to his bedside: “Oh, save me from the pangs of death,” he cries. And the afflicted children say: “Thou knowest, dear father, that nothing can pre- vail against death; neither children, nor rela- tives, nor friends are able to save man from death.” The Divine Word has gone forth (Dan. xii. 13): “Go, sleep in peace, and pre- pare thyself for the day of judgment.” Then the dying man thinks of his wealth and calls it to his assistance: “Oh, save me from that terrible sentence of death.” And his wealth answers him: “Gold and jewels are power- less in the hour of God’s wrath; the Divine Word has proclaimed it.” 4O (Ulit amo (Oligoom I was travelling to my father-in-law, and I had with me thirty asses laden with provisions and all manner of precious articles. A man by the wayside called to me: ‘Oh, Rabbi, as- sist me.’ I told him to wait until I had un- loaded my asses. When I had removed the burdens from my beasts, and went to him, I found to my sorrow that he had fallen and expired. I threw myself upon his body and wept bitterly. ‘Let these eyes, which had no pity on thee, be blind,” I said; “these hands, that delayed to assist thee, let them be cut off, and also these feet, which did not run to aid thee.’ And yet I was not satisfied until I had prayed that my whole bedy be stricken with sores.” One day the Roman Governor, T. Annius Rufus, asked Rabbi Akiba: “If your God loves the poor among the Hebrews, why does He not support them?” “Because God desires to give the rich an opportunity of doing good,” was the Rabbi's reply. “How do you of the Calmub 41 know,” Rufus rejoined, “that this virtue of charity pleases God, since no master can be pleased, if a person aids a slave, whom he has seen fit to deprive of food and clothing?” “Even so,” said Akiba; “but if the king, for Some offence, had deprived his son of food and drink, and a person had prevented the prince from dying of hunger, would the king be wroth with that person? Certainly not, neither will God be displeased with those who dispense charity to His children, even to the fallen and the sinful.” -62 It is said of Rabbi Tarphon that though a wealthy man, he was not charitable according to his means. One time Rabbi Akiba said to him: “Shall I invest some money for real estate in a manner which will be very profit- able?” Rabbi Tarphon answered in the af- firmative, and brought to Rabbi Akiba four thousand denars in gold, to be so applied. Rabbi Akiba immediately distributed the same among the poor. Some time after this Rabbi Tarphon met Rabbi Akiba and asked him 42 - (Ulit amo (Uligoom where the real estate which he had bought for him was situated. Akiba led him to the col- lege, and showed him a little boy, who recited for them the II2th Psalm. When he reached the ninth verse, “He distributeth, he giveth to the needy, his righteousness endureth for- ever,'—“There,” said Akiba, “thy property is with David, the king of Israel, who said, ‘He distributeth, he giveth to the needy.’” “And wherefore hast thou done this?” asked Tarphon. “ Knowest thou not,” answered Rabbi Akiba, “how Nakdimon, the son of Guryon, was punished because he gave not according to his means?” “Well,” returned the other, “why didst thou not tell me this; could I not have distributed my means with- out any aid?” “Nay,” said Akiba, “it is a greater virtue to cause another to give than to give oneself.” From this we may learn that he who is not charitable according to his means will be punished. COMMERCE Credit and mutual trust should be the foun- dation of commercial intercourse. of the Calmub - 43 CONSISTENCY There are some who preach beautifully, but practise not their beautiful doctrine. ~62 The learned man should judge himself ac- cording to his own teaching, and not do any- thing that he has forbidden others to do. CONTENTMENT Little is much, if the heart be but turned toward heaven. ~62 Who is rich? He who is satisfied with his lot. 2-62 The camel wanted to have horns, and they took away his ears. ~62 One bird tied is better than a hundred fly- ing. 44 (Ulit amo (Uligöom Drink not from one cup with thine eye fast- ened on another. ~62 The egg of to-day is better than the hen of to-morrow. ~62 A small quantity in the house is better than much at a distance. ~62 Grasp a little and you may secure it; grasp too much and you will lose everything. 2-62 Better eat onions all thy life than dine upon geese and chickens once and then long in vain for more ever after. -62 He that hires one garden will eat birds; he that hires many gardens, the birds will eat him. Of the Calmut) 45 Crave not after the table of kings: for thy table is greater than their table, and thy crown is greater than their crown; and the Master who employs thee is faithful to pay the reward of thy labor. CONTRITION One inward contrition in the heart of man is better than many flagellations. CORDIALITY Be in the habit of receiving every man with a pleasant countenance. COSMETICS Cold water, morning and evening, is better than all the cosmetics. COVETOUSNESS The question is asked, “Why is man born with hands clinched, but has his hands wide open in death?” And the answer is: On en- 46 (Ulit amo (UligöOm tering the world man desires to grasp every- thing, but when leaving it he takes nothing away. Even as a fox who saw a fine vineyard, and lusted after its grapes, but being too fat to get through the only opening there was, he fasted three days. He then got in; but, hav- ing fed, he could not get out until he had fasted three days more. “Naked man enters the world, and naked does he leave.” CRUELTY-TO ANIMALS Do not put a greater burden upon thy beast than it can bear. 2-62 To have compassion upon animals is one of the laws of Moses. ~62 He who has no mercy upon animals shall himself suffer pain. Of the Qaſmuo 47 A man should not buy cattle or poultry without having first bought food for them. 2 DEATH Death is the haven of life, and old age the ship which enters the port. ~62 Do not speak ill of the departed, but re- member that his soul still lives, though the body is dead. 2-62 It is our duty to comply with the last wishes of a dying person. DEBT Go to sleep without supper, but rise with- out debt. DECEIT He who deceives his neighbor would also deceive his God. 48 (Ulſt amo (UligöOnt Under no consideration lead men astray. ~62 The thief's end is the gallows. -62 There is no greater evil-doer than he who takes away the earnings of the poor. -62 A lie has not a leg to stand upon. ~~ DIGNITY - Dignity does not consist in a silk dress. DISCORD One loose cord loosens many. DISCRETION Thy friend has a friend, and thy friend's friend has a friend; be discreet. Of the Calmut) 49 DRESS In the town where one lives the name will do; outside of it the dress must do. ~62 The learned man whose garment is soiled is undeserving of honor. ECONOMY Live within your means; spend more on your clothing and most on your home. ENVY An envious man frowns when his neighbor rejoices. ERROR Error soon loses itself. EXAMPLE Precept with example produces example. 50 TJUlit amo (Oligoom Two dry logs and one wet; the dry ones kindle the wet. -62 Let every man watch his own doings that he may be an example to his fellow man through life. EXPERIENCE Experience is the mirror of the mind. FAME He who seeks fame often loses it. FASTING No one is permitted to afflict himself by un- necessary fasting. FAULT-FINDERS Man sees all the faults but his own. ~62 Do not blame in others your own faults. Of the Calmuo 51 He who seeks for a faultless brother will have to remain brotherless. ~62 He who sees his own faults is too much occupied to see the faults of others. -62 He who blames others is full of blame him- self; and the fault he sees in others may be seen in himself. FELLOW MAN He who raises a hand against a fellow man, even if he injure him not, is called wicked. ~62 He who shames a fellow man in public is a murderer. FLATTERY Let not your lips speak that which is not in your heart. ~62 Love those who reprove thee, and hate 52 (IUlit amo (UligöOm those who flatter thee; for reproof may lead thee to eternal life, flattery to destruction. FOOLS Do not live near a pious fool. -62 An ass tied to the sun—(A fool in a high sta- tion). - ~62 The pious fool, the hypocrite, and the flagellating Pharisee are destroyers of human society. -62 Be not the friend of one who wears the cloak of a saint to cover the moral deformi- ties of a knave. ~62 If thy friends agree in calling thee an ass, go and get a halter around thee. -62 Rather be thou called a fool all thy days than walk one hour before the All-Seeing Eye in evil ways, 54 (Ulit amo (UligöOm If thy friend is honey, do not lick him up altogether. ~62 Thy own deeds make thy friends or thy enemies. ~€2 One enemy is one too many, a thousand friends are none too many. ~62 Do not blame thy friend for shortcomings which thou hast thyself. 2-62 There are many friends at the door of the store, but there are none at the door of misery. -62 The dog follows thee, but his attachment is to the crumb which he expects of thee. ~62 New things are the best things; old friends are the best friends. 56 (Ulit amo (UligöOm We cannot comprehend either the pros- perity or the sufferings of the righteous. ~62 From beginning to end God's law teaches kindness. -62 Whatever God does is done for our good. - GOD’S PRESENCE The consciousness of God’s presence is the first principle of religion. GOOD Cling steadfastly to that which is good. ~62 There are three who are especially beloved by God: he who is forbearing, he who is tem- perate, and he who is courteous. GRATITUDE Men should thank God alike for evil and for good. Of the Calmut) 57 GREATNESS How may a man obtain greatness? By fidelity, truth, and lofty thoughts. GUILT He who denies his guilt doubles his guilt. -62 If any blame be attached to thee, be the first to declare it. ~62 He through whose agency another has been falsely punished stands outside of heaven's gates. HABIT Habit strips sin of its enormity. ~62 Habit becomes natural. HOME LIFE Duties Between Husbands and Wives A man's home means his wife. of the Calmut) 59 When the wife of a man's youth dies, the altar of the Lord is in mourning. ~62 A true wife makes the home a holy place. ~62 As soon as a man marries his sins decrease. ~62 He who lives without a wife is no perfect IIlan. ~62 A man should be careful not to afflict his wife, for God counts her tears. -62 He who marries for money, his children shall be a curse to him. ~62 Love your wife truly and faithfully, and do not compel her to hard work. 60 (Ulit amo (Oligoom If thy wife is small, bend down to take her counsel. ~62 Let a man be careful to honor his wife, for he owes to her alone all the blessings of his house. * ~€2 Let youth and old age not be joined in mar- riage, lest the purity and peace of domestic life be disturbed. - -62 A man's wife has scarcely breathed her last when another is waiting to take her place. -62 All the blessings of a household come through the wife, therefore should her hus- band honor her. ~62 First build a house and plant a vineyard Of the Calmut) 61 (i.e., provide for the means of the household), and then take a wife. ~62 If in anger the one hand remove thy wife or thy child, let the other hand again bring them back to thy heart. ~62 All ailings, only not the ailing of heart; all evils, but not an evil wife. ~62 It is as difficult to effect suitable matri- monial matches as it was to divide the Red Sea. -62 To be unmarried is to live without joy, with- out blessing, without kindness, without reli- gion, and without peace. -62 A handsome dwelling, a pretty wife, and 62 (Ulit amo (UligöOm beautiful furniture, exert a cheering influence upon a man's spirits. -62 The husband should always endeavor to provide bread for his house, for quarrel be- gins mostly on account of improvidence. ~62 The majority of children resemble their maternal uncles; hence the choice of a wife should be determined by the character of her brothers. 2-62 He who loves his wife as his own self, and honors her more than himself, and he who educates his children in the right way, to him applies the Divine promise, “Thou shalt know that there is peace in thy tent.” ~62 From the age of twenty, if a man remain in a state of celibacy, he lives in constant trans- Of the Uſalmut) 63 gression. Up to that age the Holy One waits for him to enter the state of matrimony, and woe to his bones if he does not marry then! -62 He who sees his wife die before him has, as it were, been present at the destruction of the Temple, and around him the world grows dark. It is woman alone through whom God’s blessings are vouchsafed to a house. She teaches the children, speeds the husband to the house of worship and instruction, wel- comes him when he returns, keeps the house godly and pure; and God's blessings rest upon all these things. Duties Between Parents and Children The daughter is as the mother was. -62 When the calf kicks, ’tis time to thrash the COW. -62 What the child says out of doors he has learnt in doors, 64 (Ulit amo (UligðOm The daughter's doings have been the moth- er's acts. ~62 Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time. ~62 Where the children honor their parents, there God dwells, there He is honored. ~62 Parental love should be impartial; one child must not be preferred to the other. -62 The honor and reverence due to parents are equal to the honor and reverence due to God. ~62 It is a father's duty not only to provide for his minor children, but also to take care of their instruction, and to teach his son a trade 66 (Ulit amo (Oligoom Only when the father tempts the son to commit sin is disobedience justifiable. ~62 He who honors his father and mother en- joys the fruit in this life, and stores up a treas- ure for the future. ~62 While the son honors his parents, God holds it as if He were dwelling near the child, and were Himself receiving honor. ~62 Even if it happens that the son is a teacher, yet if the father is present, the son must rise before him in the presence of all his pupils. -62 When a son is called to do a service for his parents, he must first see that his person is tidy and clean; for a child must attend to his parents as though they were his king and queen, Of the Calmut) 67 A child must not stand or sit in the place which his father is in the habit of occupying. He must not contradict his father, and when he names him he must use a term of respect, such as “my honored father.” ~62 A child must love and honor his parents while they are living, and must love and re- spect them after they are dead; and as they loved and honored God, he must love and honor God, and thus make his parents live again in his own good deeds. 2-62 If in after life the son prospers and is richer than his father, he must see that his prosperity is shared by his parents. He must not live in greater luxury than they; he must not allow them to suffer poverty while he enjoys wealth. But the son must not make himself obnoxious by too many attentions. 68 (Ulit amo (UligöOm HONESTY Do not buy stolen goods. 2-62 An Israelite is prohibited from deceiving even an idolater. ~62 The most worthy crown is a good reputa- tion. ~62 When the thief has no opportunity to steal he considers himself an honest man. -62 It is not the amount of trade that makes the man poor or rich, but honest working and dealing. ~62 He who unjustly hands over one man's goods to another, he shall pay God for it with his own soul. 7o (Ulit amo Uligoom resolved upon selling it at the price you of fered me yesterday. If you then pay me five pieces of gold, I shall be satisfied.” ~62 “What induces theft?” asked a schoolmas- ter of his scholars. One answered “Hunger; ” another “Extravagance; ” another “Envy.” But one, wiser than the rest, replied “Receiv- ers.” “Well answered,” said the schoolmaster. For King Solomon says, “Whosoever is part- ner with a thief hateth his own soul,” which means, he who derives gain from a thief by helping him to realize the profit of the theft is thoroughly dishonest himself, and of the two is the more culpable. This proverb is illustrated in the Midrash as follows: A pow- erful and wise prince once made a law that the receiver of stolen property should be hanged, and the thief go free. This caused great discontent among certain people who lived in luxury and entertained lavishly, and likewise among others who had sufficient sense to understand the true intent of the law. The prince, anxious to teach the people 72 (Ulit amo (Uligoom HONOR (NEIGHBOR's) Guard with jealous care thy neighbor's honor. ~62 Hold your neighbor's honor as sacred as your own. ~62 Be as eager to secure thy fellow's honor as thine own, and yield not easily to anger. 2-62 The right way for man to choose is to do that which is honorable in his own eyes (i.e., approved by his conscience) and at the same time honorable in the eyes of his fellow men. HOSPITALITY Hospitality is as important as divine wor- ship. Of the Calmud 73 Let thy house be open wide as a refuge, and let the poor be cordially received within thy walls. HUMILITY Rather be thou the tail among lions than the head among foxes. -62 He who humiliates himself will be lifted up; he who raises himself up will be humiliated. ~62 Whosoever runs after greatness, greatness runs away from him; he who runs from great- ness, greatness follows him. IDLENESS When the woman slumbers, the work- basket falls to the ground. 74 (Ulit amo (Uligoom IDOLATRY “If your God hates idolatry, why does He not destroy it?” Rufus, the Roman, asked Rabbi Akiba. “Would you have Him destroy this beautiful world for the sake of the foolish people who worship the sun, the moon, or the stars, that are but the servants of God?” Akiba replied. IMAGINATION, EVIL The “Spirit of Evil” entices a man in this world, and testifies against him in the next. -62 The “evil imagination ” takes advantage only of visible objects. ~62 An evil eye, an “evil imagination,” and misanthropy banish a man from the world. IMMORTALITY A special mansion will be given in Heaven to every pious man. of the Calmub 75 This world is like a road-side inn, but the world to come is like the real home. ~62 The longest life is insufficient for the ful- filment of half of man’s desires. -62 Better one hour's happiness in the next world than a whole lifetime of pleasure in this. ~62 One man may earn immortality by the work of a few short years, while others earn it by the work of a long life. 2-62 He who lays up no store of good deeds dur- ing the working days of life can never enjoy the eternal Sabbath. 2-62 This world is an antechamber to the next. 76 UUlit amo (Oligoom Prepare thyself in the antechamber that thou mayest worthily enter the throne-room. -62 The just of all nations have a portion in the future reward. -62 For the righteous there is no rest, neither in this world nor in the next, for they go, say the Scriptures, “from strength unto strength, from task to task, until they shall see God in Zion.” -62 The grave is like a Melotian (silken) rai- ment for the pious man, who comes fully pro- vided with provisions; the pious man can look upon the future life without fear, because he comes to the other world well prepared. -62 “Man is born to die, but the dead shall live again.” “Better is the day of death than the Of the Uſalmut) 77 day of birth.” These sayings are illustrated as follows: Two vessels sail on the ocean at one and the same time; the one is leaving, the other entering the harbor. For the one which arrived a number of friends had prepared a great feast, and with clapping of hands and great vociferations of joy, they celebrated her arrival, while the one which was leaving re- ceived sighs and tears. An intelligent man, who was a spectator of what passed, said: “Here quite the reverse appears to take place, as otherwise ought to happen. They rejoice over the one which cometh and feel saddened over the departure of the other. What a fallacy. Rejoice over the one which has accomplished its voyage and is return- ing from many dangers to safety, and be- wail rather the vessel which is coming in, for she will have to brave again the storms of an inconstant sea.” The same when man is born, great rejoicing takes place, while at his death much grief is expressed. One ought to weep at his birth, because no one is certain whether he will be able to overcome the dangers and temptations of life; whilst at his death one ought to feel pleased if he only leaves a good name behind 78 (Ulſt amb (Uligö0m him. At his birth man is entered into the book of death; when he dies he is entered into the book of life. INGRATITUDE Despise not small favors. ~62 Into the well from which thou drinkest do not cast a Stone. ~62 He who eats and drinks, but blesses not the Lord, is even as he who stealeth. -62 Once a man journeyed from Palestine to Babylon. While at his meal, he noticed a fierce strife between two birds, which ended in the apparent death of the one. When the other, however, noticed that its companion was dead, it hastened to search for a special kind of herb, which it brought and laid on the Of the Calmub 79 beak of the corpse, and soon thereafter the dead bird revived. The traveller saw this with astonishment and procured a sample of the herb. On journeying further, he met with a dead lion, and concluded to make the experi- ment upon him. He succeeded in reviving the lion, but no sooner had the latter regained his strength than he tore his benefactor to pieces. ~62 When he was a puppy I fed him, and when he became a dog he bit me. INTENTION Do as much or little as thou canst, only let thy intention be always good. ISRAEL Every nation has its special guardian angel, its horoscopes, its ruling planets and stars. But there is no planet for Israel. Israel shall look but to God. There is no mediator be- 8O (Ulſt ant) (Clígoom tween those who are called His children and their Father which is in Heaven. ~62 A king married a woman and made her magnificent promises. Soon after he was obliged to leave her and undertake a pro- tracted journey. He stayed away a long time, and the neglected wife was repeatedly of— fended by her neighbors, who said: “The king has left thee; he will never return.” The poor woman wept and lamented, but always regained comfort in the expectation of the fulfilment of her husband's magnificent prom- ises. After a long time the king at last re- turned, and exclaimed: “My beloved wife, I am really astonished at thy faithful perse- verance during so many years.” “My lord and king,” she rejoined, “if thy promises had not sustained me, I had long ago succumbed to the advice of my neighbors.” This woman, such is the beautiful application, represents Israel, who, in spite of all temptations and en- ticements made by any other nations, faith- fully bears the long separation from God, 82 (Ulit amo (UligöOm A certain man who was once hired to work for a stipulated daily wage, and who worked for three years without having drawn his earn- ings, at length desired to go home and de- manded his accumulations from his employer. “I have no money just now,” said the em- ployer. “Give me then some of your prod- uce,” demanded the employee. “I regret very much,” said the master, “that I cannot com- ply with thy request.” He asked him for cat- tle, for wine or vineyard, but the master de- clared he was unable to give him anything. With a heavy sigh the poor laborer took his tools and without a murmur departed. Scarcely had he gone when the employer or- dered three asses laden with eatables, drink- ables and wearing apparel, and personally rode to the residence of the laborer, who at once prepared a meal for his master, and they ate and drank together. After a while the employer drew forth a bag of money and handing it to the astonished employee, told him that the provisions-laden asses were his also. Thereupon the following dialogue en- sued: Of the Calmut) 85 JUSTICE Whatever is hateful to thee, do not to thy neighbor. 2-62 Thy neighbor's property must be as sacred to thee as thine own. 2-62 From the very spoon that the carver carved, he has to swallow hot mustard. ~62 Wrong neither thy brother in faith nor him who differs from thee in faith. ~62 The shepherd is lame and the goats are nimble, but at the entrance of the fold they will have to meet him and at the door of the stable they will be counted. LABOR Love labor and hate to be a professional minister. Of the Calmut) 87 Beautiful is the intellectual occupation, if combined with some practical work. ~62 It is well to add a trade to your studies; you will then be free from sin. ~62 Work is more pleasant in the sight of the Lord than the merits of your fathers. -62 He who lives by the work of his hands is greater than he who indulges in idle piety. ~£2 He who derives his livelihood from the labor of his hands is as great as he who fears God. 2-62 Happy the child who sees its parents en- gage in an honest trade; woe to the child who 88 (Ulit amo (UligöOm must blush on account of their dishonest trade. 2-62 Get your living by skinning carcasses in the street, if you cannot otherwise, and do not say, “I am a priest, I am a great man; this work would not befit my dignity.” THE LAW The beginning and end of the Law is kind- neSS. 2-62 The study of the Law, when not sustained by secular work, must come to an end, and involve one in sin. 2-62 He who studies the Law in his youth gets its words absorbed in his blood, and they come readily from his mouth. ~62 He who studies the Law in his youth is like 90 (Ulit amo (Olí800m Never take the clothes of wife or children in payment of a debt. ~62 If you have taken of a man his plough or his pillow for debt, return his plough in the morn- ing and his pillow at night. -62 The possessions of a widow, whether she be rich or poor, should not be taken in pawn. LONG LIFE. “Wherewith prolongest thou life?” Rab- bi Nechuma's disciples asked him once. And the master answered: “I never sought my honor at the expense of my associate's degra- dation, and the thought of a wrong done to me in daytime never went with me to bed at night.” LOVE Love is blind. ~62 Love takes no advice. 92 (Ulit amo (Ulí800m MAN Man, A Tioral Being The righteous control their desires, but the desires of the wicked control them. - Man’s Free Will Everything is foreordained by Heaven, ex- cept the fear of Heaven (i.e., the fear of God's anger when one is about to sin). -62 Everything is ordained by God's provi- dence, but freedom of choice is given to man. ~62 Whether a man be strong or weak, rich or poor, wise or foolish, depends mostly on cir- cumstances that surround him from the time of his birth, but whether a man be good or bad, righteous or wicked, depends on his own free will. God’s Will, As The Guide of Man's Duties Regulate thy will in accordance with God's will, and submit thy will to His will. Of the Calmut) 93 Be bold as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a roe, and strong as a lion, to do the will of thy Father who is in heaven. Man’s Accountability to God Every word, whether good or bad, acci- dental or intentional, is recorded in a book. -62 Consider three things, and thou wilt never fall into sin: remember that there is above thee an All-Seeing Eye, an All-Hearing Ear, and a record of all thy actions. ~62 Consider three things and thou wilt never sin: remember whence thou comest, whither thou goest, and before whom thou wilt have to render an account for thy doings. -62 What meaneth “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy soul” It meaneth that Of the Calmut) 95 for He takes no pleasure in a sinful man. He hates every wickedness and abomination. He has created man from the beginning in purity and has left him to his free will to follow the path of righteousness or that of evil. Behold, fire and water have been put before thee, and thou mayest stretch out thy hand and choose, even as life and death are given thee to select; hail to him if he taketh life, but woe to him if he chooseth death. -62 A king once engaged two watchmen to take care of his orchard. One was blind and the other lame. Still they answered the pur- pose very well; for their presence was quite sufficient to keep depredators at a distance. One evening the lame watchman was sitting in the orchard, when his eyes fell upon a bunch of luscious grapes, the first and only ripe ones in the whole place. “Are you very thirsty?” said he to his blind companion, who was walking up and down, feeling his way with a stick. “Would you like a bunch of fine juicy grapes?” “Yes,” was the blind man's reply. “But you know we cannot pick 96 (Ulit amo (Uligðom them. I am blind and cannot see. You are lame and cannot walk.” “True,” said the lame man. “Still we can get at them; take me on your back; I can guide you, and you can carry me to the grapes.” And so they stole the precious fruit and ate it. Now, the next day the king went into the orchard to gather this very cluster of grapes; for he had already observed it as being just fit for the table. It had vanished, and he at once taxed the watchman with the theft. “How can my lord, the king, accuse me of such a thing?” exclaimed the lame man. “Here I must sit all the days of my life, with- out moving a single inch; for am I not lame?” “And how can my lord, the king, accuse me of such a thing, when I am blind?” asked the other. “How can the heart long after, or the hands reach, that which the eyes cannot be- hold?” The king answered not a word. But he ordered his servants to place the lame man on the back of the blind man, and he condemned them to punishment just as if they had been one man. So it is with the soul and body of Of the Calmut) 97 man. The soul cannot sin without the body, nor the body without the soul; the sin of both is the sin of each, and it will not avail in the great day of judgment to shirk the responsibil- ity; but even as the lame and the blind watch- men, body and soul will be judged as one. Man's Duty Six hundred injunctions, says the Talmud, was Moses instructed to give the people. David reduced them all to eleven in the fif- teenth Psalm: Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle, who shall dwell on Thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh right- eousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Of the Calmut) 99 MERCY To deserve mercy, practise mercy. ~62 The mercy we to others show, Heaven will show to us. ~62 He who judges without mercy will himself be judged. ~62 He who has compassion on his fellow man is accounted of the true seed of Abraham. -62 Underneath the wings of the Seraphim are stretched the arms of divine mercy, ever ready to receive sinners. THE TIISER A miser is as wicked as an idolater. of the Calmut) IOI Eat and drink to live; live not to eat and drink, for thus do the beasts. ~62 The sensible man drinks only when he is thirsty. MODESTY A good man is modest. ~62 They who are modest will not easily sin. -62 Who are the pious? The modest. Who are the modest? Those who are bashful, knowing that God sees them. MONEY Money makes even bastards legitimate. IO2 CUlit amo (Ulisbont He is rich who enjoys what he possesseth. ~62 He who lends money on usury consumes his own as well as the stranger's. ~62 Wealth may be like waters gathered in a house, which, finding no outlet, drown the OWner. ~62 The fortune of this world is like a wheel with two buckets, the full becomes empty and the empty full. -62 He who loves money cannot be righteous, and he who hastens after possessions is led away from the right path. Happy the rich whose hands are clean and who do not cling to possessions. If there be such a man, we of the Calmut) 103 will praise him as happy, for he has done much for his people. If thus tested and found un- blemished, we will exalt him. If, having had the opportunity to deceive, he did it not, hav- ing had the means to act unjustly, he acted fairly. OATHS Which is a vain oath? If one affirms im- possibilities; as, for instance, that a camel was flying in the air. OBSCENITY Let a man never allow an obscene word to pass out of his mouth. OBEDIENCE Hasten to the performance of the slightest commandment, and flee from sin; for the performance of one virtuous act leads to an- other, and the commission of one sin leads to another; so is the reward of one virtuous act IO4 (Ulit amo (Uligöom the performance of another, and the retribu- tion of one sin the commission of another. ~62 It happened that a Judge of a city sent his servant to the market to purchase fish. When he reached the place of sale he found that all the fish but one had been sold, and this one a Jewish tailor was about purchasing. Said the Judge's servant: “I will give one gold piece for it; ” said the tailor: “I will give two.” Whereupon the other expressed his willingness to pay three gold pieces for it, but the tailor claimed the fish, and said he would not lose it though he were obliged to pay ten gold pieces for it. The Judge's servant then returned home, and in anger re- lated the circumstance to his master. The Judge sent for the tailor, and when the lat- ter appeared before him he asked: “What is thy occupation?” “A tailor, sir,” replied the man. “Then how canst thou afford to pay so great a price for a fish, and how dare you degrade my dignity by offering for it a greater sum than that offered by my servant?” Of the Calmut) 105 “I fast to-morrow,” replied the tailor, “ and I wished the fish to eat to-day, that I might have strength to do so. I would not have lost it even for ten pieces of gold.” “What is to-morrow more than any other day?” asked the Judge. “Why art thou more than any other man?” returned the other. “Because the king has appointed me to this office.” “Well,” replied the tailor, “the King of kings has appointed this day (the Day of Atonement) to be holier than all other days; on this day we hope that God will pardon our transgressions.” “ If this be the case thou wert right,” an- swered the Judge, and the Israelite departed in peace. Thus if a person's intention is to obey God, nothing can hinder its accomplishment. On this day God commanded his children to fast, but they must strengthen their bodies to obey him by eating on the day before. It is a per- son's duty to sanctify himself, bodily and spir- itually, for the approach of this great day. He should be ready to enter any moment into the of the Calmub 107 Were it not for the existence of passions, no one would build a house, marry a wife, beget children, or do any work. -62 The wicked is in the power of his passion; the righteous keeps passion in his power. ~62 What should man do in order to live? Deaden his passions. What should man do in order to die? Give himself entirely to life. -62 First, our passions are like travellers, mak- ing a brief stay, then like guests visiting us day by day, until at last they become our masters, holding us beneath their sway. PATRIOTISM Do not isolate thyself from the community and its interests. of the Calmub IO9 PEACEFULNESS The Bible was given to establish peace. -62 Be the first to hold out the hand of peace. -62 Where there is no peace, nothing flourishes. ~62 Be a disciple of Aaron, loving peace, and pursuing peace. ~62 What is sweeter than sweetness? Peace after enmity. ~62 Sow peace at home, scatter its fruits abroad. I IO TUlit amo (Uligoom Peace is the wisp of straw which binds the sheaf of blessings. ~62 He who maketh peace among strivers will inherit eternal life. -62 Discord is like a leak in a cistern. Drop by drop all the water escapes. -62 When two men quarrel, he who is first si- lent is the better man. ~62 Great is peace, for it is to the world what yeast is to the dough. ~62 Man, be ever soft and pliable like a reed, and not hard and unbending like a cedar. ~62 When do justice and good will meet? II2 TUlit amo (Uligðom PERDITION Envy, lust, ambition, bring a man to perdi- tion. PERJURY The sin of perjury is great. -62 God may delay all other punishments, but the sin of perjury is avenged straightway. ~62 Do not accustom yourself to use oaths, or you will be led into perjury. PERSECUTION Be of them that are persecuted, not of them that persecute. ~62 Whosoever does not persecute them that persecute him, whosoever takes an offence in Of the Calmut) II3 silence, he who does good because of love, he who is cheerful under his sufferings—they are the friends of God, and of them the Scrip- ture says: “They shall shine forth as does the sun at noonday.” ~62 There is not a single bird more persecuted than the dove; yet God has chosen her to be offered up on the altar. The bull is hunted by the lion, the sheep by the wolf, the goat by the tiger. And God said: “Bring me a sacrifice, not from them that persecute, but from them that are persecuted.” PERSEVERANCE If thou hast commenced a good action, leave it not incomplete. PHYSICIANS Wait not to honor the physician till thou fallest sick. II4 (Clit amo (UligöOm Medicine is a science whose practise is au- thorized by God Himself. ~62 We ought not to live in a town where no physician resides. ~62 The strict observance of Sabbath and the Day of Atonement is set aside, when the phy- sician declares such desecration necessary, even against the will of the patient. -62 God causes the remedial herbs to grow up from the ground; they become a healing cause in the hands of the physicians, and from them the druggist prepares the remedies. POPULAR PREJUDICE The serpent’s tail had a long time followed the directions of the head with the best re- sults. One day the tail began, “Thou appear- est always foremost, but I must remain in the of the Calmud II 5 background. Why should I not also some- times lead?” “Well,” replied the head, “ thou shalt have thy will for once.” The tail, rejoiced, accordingly took the lead. Its first exploit was to drag the body into a miry ditch. Hardly escaped from that unpleasant situation, it crept into a fiery furnace; and when relieved from there, it got entangled among briers and thorns. What caused all these misfortunes? Because the head sub- mitted to be guided by the tail. When the lower classes are guided by the higher, all goes well, but if the higher orders suffer themselves to be swayed by popular preju- dices, they all suffer together. POSITION No position can dignify the man. It is the man who dignifies the position. POWERTY The Eternal is the advocate of the poor. I I6 (Ulſt amo (UligöOm Healthy poverty is opulence, compared with ailing wealth. ~62 Be mindful of the children of the poor, for learning comes from them. PRAYER Cleanse your heart before praying. -62 Always pray with humility and with a clear conscience. ~62 Prayer without devotion is like a body with- out life. ~62 Better little prayer with devotion than much without devotion. Of the Uſalmut) 117 Blessed are the women who send their chil- dren to the house of prayer. -62 Even when the gates of heaven are shut to prayer, they are open to those of tears. -62 The value of the words uttered with the lips is determined by the devotion of the heart. ~62 To pray loudly is not a necessity of devo- tion; when we pray we must direct our hearts towards heaven. ~62 Look not on thy prayers as on a task; let the supplication be sincere. 2-62 Prayer is Israel’s only weapon, a weapon inherited from its fathers, a weapon tried in a thousand battles. II8 (Ulit amo (Oligoom A pious man was engaged in prayer while travelling on the highroad. One of the nobles of the land, who knew him, was pass- ing by and saluted him, but the pious man did not mind the salutation and continued his prayer. The nobleman became vexed, and with great effort he waited until the man had finished his prayers; whereupon he, in an ex- cited manner, said to him: “Thou art a stu- pid fellow, for thou hast sinned against thine own law, which commands man to take care of his own life. But thou hast just risked thy life unnecessarily. Why didst thou not re- spond to my salutation? If I had split thy head open with my sword, who could have called me to account?” “Sir, I pray, suppress your wrath; I hope to quiet thee, if thou wilt allow me only a few words in reply. Think, for instance, that while standing in conversation with thy king, a friend, passing by, saluted thee. Shouldst thou like to be interrupted in thy conversa- tion with the king in order to answer that salutation?” “Woe unto me if I were to do so.” “Now, I pray, dear sir, consider only the I2O (Ulit amo (UligöOm PRIDE Pride is like idolatry. ~62 A penny in an empty box rattles loudly. ~62 The prayers of the proud are never heard. -62 Pride leads to the destruction of man. ~62 Pride is a sign of the worst poverty—ig- 11Orance. 2-62 Even to his own household the overbear- ing is distasteful. ~62 The proud man is troubled at the slightest wind. - I22 (IUlit amo (UligöOm Wicked men promise much and perform nothing. PUBLIC OPINION Despise not public opinion. 2-62 The voice of the people is as the voice of God. ~62 Not what you say about yourself, but what others say. -62 He who fears the opinion of the world more than his own conscience has but little self- respect. ~£2 Whosoever is loved by mankind is also loved by the Supreme, but whosoever is not loved by mankind is not loved by the Su- preme. - Of the Calmut) I29 injuries which they encountered in so doing were not healed during the remainder of the voyage. But, alas for the fifth party. They ate and drank so deeply that they did not even hear the bell, and when the ship started they were left behind. Then the wild beasts hid in the thickets made them a prey, and they who escaped this evil perished from the poison of surfeit. The “ship ’’ is our good deeds, which bear us to our destination, heaven. The “island ” typifies the pleasures of the world, which the first set of passengers refused to taste or look upon, but which when enjoyed temperately as by the second party, make our lives pleasant, without causing us to neglect our duties. These pleasures must not be allowed, how- ever, to gain too strong a hold upon our senses. True, we may return, as the third party, while there is yet time and with but lit- tle bad effect, or even as the fourth party at the eleventh hour, be saved, but with many bruises and injuries which cannot be entirely healed; but we are in danger of becoming as the last party, spending a lifetime in the pursuit of vanity, forgetting the future, and perishing 130 (Ulit amo (UligöOm even of the poison concealed in the Sweets which attract us. REPROOF He who cannot bear one word of reproof will have to hear many. RESIGNATION Blessed is he who meekly bears his trials, of which everyone has his share. 2-62 When misfortune befalls you examine your conduct and knowledge that God's chas- tisement is just. -62 During Rabbi Meir's absence from home two of his sons died. Their mother, hid- ing her grief, awaited the father's return, and then said to him: “My husband, some time since two jewels of inestimable value Of the Calmub 13 I were placed with me for safe keeping. He who left them with me called for them to-day, and I delivered them into his hands.” “That is right,” said the Rabbi, approvingly. “We must always return cheerfully and faithfully all that is left in our care.” Shortly after this the Rabbi asked for his sons, and the mother, taking him by the hand, led him gently to the chamber of death. Meir gazed upon his sons, and realizing the truth, wept bitterly. “Weep not, beloved husband,” said his noble wife; “didst thou not say to me we must return cheerfully, when 'tis called for, all that has been placed in our care? God gave us these jewels, he left them with us for a time, and we gloried in their possession; but now that he calls for his own, we should not repine.” -02 Rabbi Judah said: “If a person weeps and mourns excessively for a lost relative, his grief becomes a murmur against the will of God, and he may soon be obliged to weep for another death. We should justify the decree of God, and exclaim with Job, ‘The Lord I 32 TÜlit amo (UligöOnt gave and the Lord hath taken; blessed be the name of the Lord.’” REVENGE Misery and remorse are the children of re- venge. ~62 He who gratifies revenge destroys his own house. ~62 Rabbi Meir was vociferous against evil doers and often prayed God, saying, “De- stroy the sinners.” Beruriah, his pious wife, gently admonished him, saying, “Rather pray that God destroy sin and the sinners will be no more.” REWARDS In proportion to thy efforts will be thy rec- ompense. 134 (Clit amb (Uligbont The righteous promise little and do much. ,-62 The righteous are heard when they perse- vere in prayer. ~62 The righteous need no monuments. Their deeds are their monuments. -62 Alexander one day wandered to the gates of paradise and knocked. The guardian angel asked: “Who is there?” “I, Alexander.” “Who is Alexander?” “Alexander, the con- queror of the world.” “We know him not. He cannot enter here. This is the Lord’s gate; only the righteous enter here.” ~62 The death of the righteous is a calamity equal in magnitude to the burning of the Temple. - 136 (Ulit amo (Uligoom SABBATH The Sabbath is given to man, not man to the Sabbath. SECRETS Do not reveal thy secret to the apes. ~62 Thy secret is thy slave. If thou let it loose, thou becomest its slave. -CA * Though thousands do thy friendship seek, To one alone thy secret speak. ,-62 Keep shut the doors of thy mouth Even from the wife of thy bosom. -62 That which man conceals in his innermost chamber is plain and manifest to God. 138 (Ulſt amo (Uligoom A man should be opposed to taking alms as well as to being a burden on the com- munity. -CA It is better to be a menial than to live upon the charity of others. - -62 All I weighed on scales, but found nothing lighter than bran; lighter than bran, how- ever, is a son-in-law living in his father-in- law's house: lighter still, a guest introduced by another guest. •62 Whoever has no possessions may be com- pared to an infant that has lost its mother. It may be nourished by many women, but it does not thrive, because a mother's love no one is able to supply. The man who is sup- ported by others, were it even by his own father or mother, or his children, never feels of the Calmub 139 that contentment which his own exertions would give him. SICK It is a bounden duty to visit the sick. ~62 If your neighbor is sick, pray for him. SILENCE Silence is consent. ~62 If silence is becoming to a wise man, how much more so to a fool? , 262 Do not deem they speech secure, for the wall has ears. 140 (Ulit amo (Oligoom If a word spoken in time is worth one piece of money, silence in its time is certainly worth tWO. SIN Sin begets sin. -62 Curse the sin, not the sinner. ~62 Commit a sin twice, and you will think it perfectly allowable. ~62 The wiser the man, the more careful should he be of his conduct. •G) To resist sin is as meritorious as to be actively engaged in a good work. Of the Calmut) I4I A man commits sin in secret; but the Holy One proclaims it openly. SINCERITY Be always sincere in your yea and your nay. SLANDER To slander is to murder. ~62 Teach thy tongue to say, “I do not know.” -62 Better no ear at all than one that listeneth to evil. -62 Guard thy mouth from uttering an un- seemly word. ~62 Rather be thrown into a fiery furnace than bring anyone to public shame, I44 (Clit amo (Olí900m cured the success!” At last the tongue par- ticipated in the dispute: “What would all your actions amount to without me?” The other members merely laughed derisively at the claims of the tongue, which, angry at such treatment, said, “You shall find it out to your sorrow.” When the man arrived at the court and offered the milk, the tongue called out, “That is milk from a Kalba (bitch).” The king became very wroth and ordered the man to be hung. Now all the members trem- bled, while the tongue laughed. “Did I not tell you that you are given into my power? But I will save you again. Bring me back before the king!” the tongue cried, and when again in the presence of the king it said, “You misunderstood the meaning of my words. I brought milk of a Lebia (lioness), only in my haste I used the Arabic term for lioness, Kalba.” The milk being examined and found to be as the man said, he was richly rewarded. The tongue then proudly ex- claimed, “Life and death are given into my power!” Of the Oſalmillo I45 SLAVES Slaves should never be addressed as such, for the name itself is contemptible. soldiers The soldiers fight and the kings are called heroes. THE SOUL The soul of one good man is worth as much as all the earth. ~62 Hillel, the gentle, the beloved sage, Expounded day by day the sacred page To his disciples in the house of learning; And day by day, when home at eve returning, They lingered, clust’ring round him, loath to part From him whose gentle rule won every heart. But evermore, when they were wont to plead For longer converse, forth he went with speed, Saying each day: “I go—the hour is late— To tend the guest who doth my coming wait,” I46 TUlit amo (Uligðom Until at last they said: “The Rabbi jests When telling us thus of his daily guests That wait for him.” The Rabbi paused awhile, Then made answer: “Think you I beguile You with an idle tale? Not so forsooth ! I have a guest, whom I must tend in truth. Is not the soul of man indeed a guest, Who in this body deigns awhile to rest, And dwells with me all peacefully to-day; To-morrow—may it not have fled away?” -62 “Let thy garments be always white.”— Eccl. ix. 8. A king once distributed state robes among his servants. The wiser among them took great care of these gifts; not a single spot sullied their purity, not a single stain dimmed their brilliancy. But the foolish servants did all their work arrayed in these robes, for- getting the grandeur of the gift, and the dig- nity of the donor. Suddenly the king ordered the robes to be returned unto him, The wise servants came Of the Calmu') I47 and restored the dresses spotless and unde- filed, but the foolish ones brought theirs be- daubed and spoilt. The king was rejoiced at the thoughtful conduct of the wise servants, but was incensed at the carelessness of the others. “Throw them into prison,” he exclaimed; “let them there cleanse their garments. But the good and discreet shall remain about me, and glory in their splendor, for they are wor- thy thereof.” Such is the way of God: he giveth to all alike a precious gift, a pure and spotless soul. The pious who make good use of this divine gift are permitted to enjoy eternal bliss, but the wicked are debarred from this happiness, till their souls are purified from the taints of S111. SPEECH Speech is the messenger of the heart. SWEARING Swear not, even to the truth, unless the court compels you to do so, I48 (Ulit amo (Ulfgoom The world trembled with dread when God exclaimed: “Take not my name in vain.” SYMPATHY Man's thoughts and ways shall always be in contact and sympathy with his fellow men. ~6× To what is a man likened, who consoles with his neighbor twelve months after his bereave- ment by death? He is like a surgeon, asking a man who had once broken his leg to let him break it again and heal it, that he may show him what excellent mendicaments he has. TEMPER One who restrains his temper, all his sins meet forgiveness. TEMPERAMENT There are four kinds of temperament: To be easily provoked, and to be easily pacified, Of the Calmut) I5 I their late pleasant home, on the plain, Moreb, and their friendly neighbors. Being tired of their solitude, she begged her husband to in- vite any wayfarers to their tent to partake of their hospitality. One day Abraham noticed an old man riding as one in haste, and, inquir- ing of him the cause, discovered the man to be in search of a scattered herd of cattle, so he invited him to his tent to refresh himself, promising that some of his young men would assist in the search. The old man assented. Abraham had a bath prepared and a goodly feast, prior to the eating of which Abraham invoked a blessing from God, in which the old man refused to join. On being asked the rea- son for his impiety he acknowledged being a fire worshipper. Abraham, full of indignation at his refusal to join in prayer, drove the travel-worn old man out of his tent. As he departed sorrowfully an angel of the Lord ap- peared to Abraham and asked him what he did, saying: “See you not that the Lord has had patience with this ignorant man these seventy years—can you not dwell with him for an hour?” So Abraham recalled the old man, urged I52 TÜlit amo (UligöOm him to partake, made ready his young men, who soon returned with the missing cattle, and who assisted the traveller to drive them home; on which the old man, in leaving, blessed Abraham and Sarah, and said their kindly actions made a believer of him, and that a living fire was burning in his heart to be of service to his fellow man. TRIAL The future gains from present pains. ~62 Blessed be he who bears his trials. Every- one has his share. ~62 He who cheerfully submits to sufferings brings salvation to the world. TRUTH Truth is the seal of God. Of the Calmut) I53 Promise little and do much. 2-62 Truth is its own witness. ~62 Truth tells its own tale. ~62 The liar is worse than the thief, ~62 Always acknowledge the truth. ~62 Truth will stand, but falsehood must fall. ~62 Truth is the seal to God’s works. I54 (Ulit amo (UligöOm Truth is heavy, therefore few carry it. -62 Truth lasts forever, but falsehood must vanish. ~62 Deception in words is a greater sin than deception in money matters. ~62 To be faithless to a given promise is as sin- ful as idolatry. ~£2 This is the punishment of the liar, that when he tells the truth nobody believes him. ~62 It is sinful to deceive any man, be he even a heathen. ~62 To break a verbal engagement, though legally not binding, is a moral wrong. 156 QUlit amo (UligöOm The possessions of him who lends usuri- ously shall sooner or later decrease and van- ish. ~62 The testimony of a usurer is not valid be- fore the court of Justice. -62 The usurer will have no share in an ever- lasting life. ~62 The usurer will not prosper. WOW He who makes a solemn vow without ful- filling it, his book will be searched. WINE Drink not, and you will not sin. Of the Calmut) 157 When the wine enters, the secret goes out. ~62 When Satan cannot come himself, he sends wine as a messenger. WISDOM A scholar is greater than a prophet. ~62 Study is more meritorious than sacrifice. ~62 z Let thy house be a resort of the wise. ~62 Who is a wise man? He who learns of all Inerl. ~62 Who is a wise man? He who looks into the future. 158 (Ulit amo (Uligöom The disciples of the wise are engaged all their days in building up the world. 2-62 The end of wisdom is repentance and good works. ~ ~62 Wisdom is a tree and active virtue is its fruit. -62 The world depends on its school-children. -62 For the blind in mind there is no physician. ~62 * A town which has no school should be abolished. ~62 Learn a little here and a lttle there, and you will increase in knowledge, 16o (Ulſt amo (UligöOm The chief thing is not learning, but the deed. ~ -62 Beware of an over-pious ignoramus and of one badly trained. -62 If a man does not go after wisdom, wisdom will not come to him. ~62 Learn first and philosophize afterwards. ~62 Whosoever tries to make gain by the crown of learning perishes. -62 The more knowledge, the more spiritual life. Of the Oſalmut) 16I Wisdom increases with years; and so does folly. -h ~62 Knowledge without religion blesses not its possessor. -62 The teachers are the guardians of a State. -62 93 &c. “Repeat,” “repeat,” that is the best medi- cine for memory. ~62 He who instructs a child is as if he had cre- ated it. -62 The rivalry of scholars advances learning. -62 God looks to the heart of man and then to the mind. 166 (Ulit amb Úligbont into the world, the former indicates the way into the next. But blessed is the son who has learned from his father; he shall revere him both as his father and his master; and blessed is the father who has instructed his son. ~62 If any one telleth thee he has searched for knowledge and not attained it, believe him not; if he telleth thee he has attained knowl- edge without searching for it, believe him not; but if he telleth thee that he has searched for knowledge and attained it, thou mayest be- lieve him. -62 Four dispositions are found among those who sit for instruction before the wise, and they may be respectively compared to a sponge, a funnel, a strainer, and a sieve; the sponge imbibes all; the funnel receives at one end and discharges at the other; the strainer suffers the wine to pass through, but retains the lees; and the sieve removes the bran, but retains the fine flour. 168 (Ulit amo (Uligöom thief. He surprised Adam in his sleep and robbed him of one of his ribs.” The Rabbi’s daughter, who is present, craves permission to reply to the Emperor. This is granted. “But first let me implore thy imperial pro- tection, puissant sire,” she exclaims. “A grave outrage has been perpetrated upon our house. Under the cover of night an auda- cious thief broke into our house and took a silver flagon from our chest of plate and left a golden one in its stead.” “What a welcome thief,” cried Hadrian. “Would that such rob- bers might visit my palace every day.” “And was not the Creator such a thief as this?" archly rejoins the blushing damsel—“Who deprived Adam of a rib and in lieu thereof gave him a loving, lovely bride?” YOUTH Happy is he who fears God when in the prime of life. -CA Some are old in their youth, others young in their old age. AAA ER & TA YLOR CO.’S PUBLICA TYOMS. THE REAL DAVID HARUM. By ARTHUR T. VANCE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, 75 cents. An indentification, with humorous anecdotes, sayings, and characteristic horse stories, together with many pic- tures of persons and places. “The indentification is rendered certain. Mr. Vance's book is curious and interesting and cannot fail to attract every one who has read ‘David Harum.” One of the most interesting of the curiosities of literature.”—Brooklyn Life. “All those who enjoyed reading Edward Noyes West- cott's ‘David Harum' will certainly be pleased to learn that the shrewd and entertaining character after whom the book is named was quite faithfully drawn from life. As the author proves conclusively, the real David Harum of Home ville was one David Hannum of Homer, N. Y.” —Buffalo Inquirer. “Mr. Westcott seems undoubtedly to have taken for his model the person designated by Mr. Vance, with whom the novelist's father was connected by marriage. He has es- tablished the fact that the village of Homer, Cortland County, N. 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The reader pursues the argument with breathless interest from chapter to chapter, and hurries through the most astonishing revelations of our nation's re- sources, growth and present-day power and stature to a brilliant summary of our relations at the century's dawn to other countries, and to the great questions that confront the nation under the new world-conditions of to-day. “The character, history and operations of the various forces combined in the movement toward expansion are described in the nine successive chapters of this little volume with all that argumentative skill and power, with all that masterful arrangement of statistical information, for which Dr. Strong has become justly famous.”—Christian Work. “Dr. Strong makes a clear statement of the changed world- conditions which render our former policy of isolation no longer practicable. The Anglo-Saxon race cannot refuse to take its place in the closer world-relationship which is to come.”—The Outlook. “Mr. Strong would have us dismiss “the craven fear of being great,’ recognize the place in the world which God has given us, and accept the responsibilities which it de- volves upon us in behalf of a Christian civilization. The book is one of the strongest statements of the expansion doctrine that we have seen. It will convince many because it clings to ideals while keeping an eye on the cold facts.”— Public Opinion. Sent, postpaid, on receipt of the price, by THE BAKER & TAYLOR CO., Publishers, 5 and 7 East Sixteenth St., New York. ||||III] II. | { DATE DUE DEMCO, INC. 38-2931