Building Better Character
by Yaffa Ganz Reprinted with permission from “THE JEWISH FACT FINDER” Important Torah Facts and Handy Jewish Information. Feldheim Publishers. Here are 13 character traits for a human being to focus on to better himself, as suggested by Rabbi Yisrael of Salant, the founder of a Jewish self-improvement program called the “Mussar movement.” 1) TRUTHFULNESS [EMET] Be truthful in all you say. 2) QUICKNESS [ZERIZUT] All that you have to do, do without wasting time. 3) DILIGENCE [CHARITZUT] Do all that you are supposed to do conscientiously. 4) RESPECT [KAVOD] Be extremely careful with the honor and feelings of others. 5) TRANQUILLITY [MENUCHA] Do everything quietly, without undue confusion or excitement. 6) GENTLENESS [NACHAT] The words of the wise are spoken softly and peacefully. 7) CLEANLINESS AND PURITY [NIKAYON] Keep your body and your clothing clean and pure. 8) PATIENCE [SAVLANUT] Whatever happens in life, be patient. 9) ORDER [SEDER] Do everything in an orderly and discipli...