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During this time between Pesach and Shavuot, it is traditional to read from the part of the Talmud known as Pirkei Avot. Pirkei Avot has small nuggets of wisdom intended for self-reflection and self-improvement. The idea is that our freedom (celebrated on Pesach) should inspire us to be the best people we can be to accept the gift of Torah (on Shavuot). In reviewing these verses, one stuck out to me this year.

Ben Zoma says: Who is the wise one? He who learns from all men...

Who is the mighty one? He who conquers his impulse...

Who is the rich one? He who is happy with his lot...

Who is honored? He who honors the created beings...

Certainly, this verse speaks to how we should view ourselves in life and in relation to others. It asks us to keep our ego and desires in check and to honor others, not ourselves. This notion is not uniquely Jewish. At our interfaith clergy lunch last week, I had the pleasure of learning from our Christian and Muslim colleagues. One teaching has stuck with me-words spoken by the prophet Mohammed:

“We spend most of our time being attorneys for ourselves and judging others, while we should judge ourselves and be attorneys for others.”

I found this teaching to be both beautiful and profound and a reminder that we should always be open to learning from others. Most of all, this teaching reminds me that our brothers and sisters of other faiths have so many values similar to our own. The wisdom that they espouse gives me hope that together, as we learn from each other, we can forge a path to peace.

Shabbat shalom,

Beth