THE GOLDEN RULE
During synagogue services, we pray for the day when
God's laws will be followed by all people, for the
time when peace will fill the world. Through acts
of tikkun olam, we become partners with God
in making our prayers come true.
A man once challenged the great sage Hillel, who
lived 2,000 years ago. He said, "If you can
teach me the entire Torah while I stand on one foot,
I'll convert to Judaism." Hillel answered,
"Do not do to others what you do not want them
to do to you. This is the entire Torah. The rest is
commentary--an explanation of that rule. Now go and
study Torah."
Hillel's answer is sometimes called the Golden Rule.
Do you think the world would be a better place if
more people observed the Golden Rule? Why or why
not?
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Are you surprised by Hillel's answer? Are you
wondering why it takes so many years of study to
become a bar or bat mitzvah if the
entire Torah can be taught in one sentence?
Think about it. While Hillel was able to teach
the Torah in one sentence, could someone learn
the wisdom of Torah by hearing just one
sentence? Why?
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