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Ethical Instructions

This excerpt from Shnei Luøot ha-Berit (The Two Tablets of the Covenant) by Isaiah Halevi Horowitz (1565-1630) exemplifies the scholarship and piety that characterized Prague Jewish culture in the 17th cen. Combining halakhah, homily, and kabbalah in order to provide guidance on how to live an ethical life, Horowitz's work has remained influential.

 

 

 

 


Refrain from all hatred, be it silent envy in your heart because of your neighbor's good fortune, or because of weakness of character or because of business competition. . . . If your neighbor should have caused you harm, which may the Lord prevent, forgive him forthwith, for you should love your neighbor with all your heart. . . . If your neighbor has suffered loss in his property, pray unto the Lord, that He may compensate him; if you should be in a position to compensate him for such losses, do so from your own money, for you should love your fellowman with all your heart. . . . Be always anxious to cause your fellowman joy or some favor, and do not be anxious to have others do you such favors.

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