MEMORY SPAN
Doing what is right is not always popular. Maimonides said that the nature
of the human being is to be drawn after the values of his or her peers. So
what is one to do when one knows what is right yet feels that others will
scoff at the "goody goody" behavior?
Our sages teach that one should consider the long-lasting effects of things
and that will put things in proper perspective. The laughter of one's
friends and neighbors lasts only a few painful moments yet the scoffing may
prevent performance of a good deed. The good that one does, on the other
hand, makes its mark on eternity. Think for a moment before squelching that
good urge to do what is right and ask yourself, " How will this look in 50
years?" You can be sure the ridicule will have stopped and been long
forgotten but the good that one does goes on and on.
By putting things in long-term perspective one can grow positively towards
self-perfection without being deterred by the negative comments, looks and
laughs of one's contemporaries. Your good will last long after they are
gone. Isn't it worth it to choose the permanent over the temporary? Invest
in the spiritual long-term and your stock will only rise as time goes on.
DID YOU KNOW THAT
It is to forbidden repeat the Shema two times consecutively. One is not
permitted to repeat the first word i.e. "Shema, Shema" - nor is one
permitted to repeat the entire first verse two times in a row.
[ Source: Shulhan Arukh, O'H, siman 61:9]
CONSIDER THIS FOR A MINUTE
One who becomes close to a wicked person learns his wicked ways.
Ben-Sira
Text Copyright © 2003 Rabbi Raymond Beyda and Project Genesis, Inc.
