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Welcome to Torah Daily, your daily source for uplifting and insightful Torah teachings. Dive into timeless wisdom, explore the weekly Parsha, and discover practical lessons for modern living. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or new to Torah study, our episodes offer a meaningful journey through the sacred texts. Subscribe now and enrich your day, one Torah lesson at a time.
Shalom Aleichem, dear friends. Today, we ponder the wisdom of the Talmud, specifically Tractate Avot, more commonly known as Pirkei Avot or Ethics of the Fathers. It is a text that is highly relatable to our everyday life.
Let's delve into the saying of Hillel the Elder, who is quoted in Pirkei Avot 1:14, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I?" A profound wisdom that reflects on self-respect, responsibility, and the value of community.
In the first part, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me?" Hillel teaches us about self-respect and personal responsibility. It's not a call for selfishness, rather, it's about knowing our worth and standing up for ourselves. It's a reminder that we need to take charge of our own lives, to strive for our goals, to enforce our boundaries, and to ensure our own well-being.
But he doesn't stop there. He immediately follows with, "But if I am only for myself, what am I?" Here, Hillel reminds us of the value of community, of empathy and of the importance of serving others. He cautions against self-centeredness and isolationism. It's a reminder that we are part of a greater whole. By helping others, we become more than just individuals; we become a part of a community, a part of humanity.
So, my dear friends, let us take this wisdom to heart. Let us be for ourselves, standing up for our rights and taking care of our needs, and let us also be for others, contributing to our community and helping those in need.
Remember, a life lived for others is a life fulfilled.
This podcast was produced and sponsored by Daniel Aharonoff.