Displaying 81 - 90 of 151
Slowness to Anger - Middah Erech Apayim
"Be not quick to anger, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools!" (Ecclesiastes 7,9)
Studying in Order to Perform Mitzvot - Middah Lomed al Manat La'asot
"The first virtue of wisdom is silence; the second hearing; the third memory; and the fourth action." (Moshe ben Ezra, 11th century Spanish poet and philosopher)
Studying in Order to Teach - Middah Lomed al Manat Lelamed
Lomed al Manat Lelamed translates as "Studying in order to teach." Lomed and Lamed come from the same Hebrew root lamed-mem-dalet, which means both "to study" and "to teach."
The Study of Torah - Middah Talmud
Talmud translates as "the study of Torah." The word Talmud comes from the Hebrew root lamed-mem-dalet meaning "to learn."
To Attend to the Sages - Middah Shimush Chachamim
Shimush Chachamim means "to attend to the Sages." Shimush comes from the Hebrew root shin-mem-shin and means "to serve" or "to attend." A related word is shamash—the servant candle used to kindle the lights of the Hanukkiah—the Hanukkah menorah. Chachamim translates as "sages" and usually refers to the rabbis of the Talmud. The word Chachamim is the plural form of chacham, coming from the Hebrew root chet-chaf-mem meaning "wisdom."
To Determine Exactly what One Hears - Middah Mechavayn et Sh'muato
Mechavayn et sh'muato means "to determine exactly what one hears." The root of mechavayn is chaf-vav-nun, which means "to determine exactly" or "to be firm." Sh'muato has as its root shin-mem-ayin and means "to listen" or "to hear."
To Learn by Repetition - Middah Mishnah
Mishnah comes from the Hebrew root shin-nun-hey which means "to repeat." The word mishnah, influenced by Aramaic, took on the meaning "to learn." One can translate mishnah as "to learn by repetition." The middah—Jewish value—of mishnah means both "the study of Scripture" (the Written Law, which is Torah) and "the study of Mishnah" (the Oral Law).
To Share the Burden with One's Friend - Middah Nosay B'ol Im Chavayro
The phrase nosay b'ol im chavayro means "to share the burden with one's friend." Nosay is based on the Hebrew root nun-sin-aleph that means "to lift up" or "to carry." The word ol means "yoke" or "burden." Im means "with" and chavayro translates as "one's friend."
Trust in the Sages - Middah Emunat Chachamim
According to our Text, faith (emunah) is the most important element in Torah. This idea is developed even further in the commentary on this middah found in the Pirkei Avos Treasury. There it is suggested that faith in the authenticity of the teachings of the Sages is the foundation of Torah study. (p.417)
Learn About Mussar and Middot
These Jewish virtues or values (in Hebrew "middot") serve as the basis for the study of a variety of Jewish texts. Perfect for students of all ages, middot can be studied individually, with a study partner, and by families. Whether engaging your family at the Shabbat dinner table or taking some time to study on a Shabbat afternoon, make middot part of your Jewish learning with these helpful study guides.