BARBARA'S TCHATZKAHS

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...

By Mary Phyllis Horn, Med, CMHt How we view ourselves and how we treat others is directly connected to how we view Spirit. For the sake of clarification, here are my definitions of Spirit: God, the Universe, Divine Source, or any other term you may use for the Highest Power of creation. "Spirit" includes the High Self as well--the highest, purest part of self that is always one with God. It also involves angels (spirit guides), who are as real, individual and sentient as you and I; they devote their entire beings to the service of the highest within Spirit and humanity. If we treat Spirit with respect and high ethics, any ethical change we implement will occur with ease. Spiritual ethics involve humility, forgiveness, recognizing our source of abundance, gratitude, and surrendering to Divine Will. Humility Humility is a combination of awe, wonder, recognition of our true strengths and weaknesses, and the deep knowledge that "I by myself can do nothing." That is, it ...

SPITZER SPEAKS The Need for Both Passion and Humility in Politics Current N.Y. State Governor, Eliot Spitzer, was the last candidate I not only openly backed but campaigned for. And those who know me know I rarely campaign for anyone. Gov. Spitzer has a lot to cause us to think about in this piece. With Presidential candidates jockeying for position now, his thoughts come none too soon. by Gov. Eliot Spitzer Today, I delivered a speech at the Chautauqua Institution that calls for a politics that balances the passion and power we need to confront the injustices of our time -- foreign or domestic -- with the humility to make sure those same qualities do not overtake our fight for change. Good morning and thank you for inviting me to participate. The Chautauqua Institution is truly a national treasure. It is a place for contemplation and a place for reflection, a place where platitudes and slogans can be set aside and be replaced by thoughtfulness and introspection. When I last spoke he...