TZEDEK
According to Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, what does justice plus compassion equal?
Tzedek — the first precondition of a decent society.
What does the word "zerizut" mean?
Eagerness, enthusiasm, zeal, or diligence in performing mitzvot — being quick and energetic to do the right thing.
According to Pirkei Avot 4:1, who is truly mighty?
He who conquers (subdues) his evil inclination.
The Rambam (Mishneh Torah) says it is not enough to just be humble. Instead, a person should be what?
Very, very humble
Tehillim 133 begins with a famous line by Dovid. Fill in the blank: "How good and how pleasant it is that brothers dwell _____."
Together
In Devarim 24, the Torah talks about a poor person who gave his sleeping clothes as a pledge for a loan. What does the Torah say the lender must do?
Return the clothes at night so the poor person has something to sleep in.
Which person from the Torah is used as an example of zerizut because he "arose early in the morning"?
Avraham (in connection with the Binding of Yitzchak).
POP UP PHYSCIAL CHALLENGE!
The person who chose this gets to identify one strategy for calming down that everyone will do:
1) 5 push ups
2) 1 minute of drumming
3) 1 minute of breathing quietly
Which leader from the Torah does the Rambam point to as a model of being "very humble"?
Moshe
In the story of Yosef and his brothers, what special gift did Yaakov give Yosef that made his brothers jealous?
Ketonet passim (coat of many colors)
Which forefather was specifically singled out by Hashem for exhibiting tzedek?
Avraham
The Shulchan Aruch says a person should strengthen himself like what animal to get up in the morning?
a lion
Mishna Avot 4:18 gives a list of times when you should NOT try to deal with someone's feelings. Name two of them.
(1) Don't try to appease your friend during his anger, (2) Don't comfort him while his dead lies before him, (3) Don't question him at the time of his vow, (4) Don't try to see him at the time of his disgrace.
Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Pshischa taught that every person should carry two pieces of paper — one in each pocket. What does each paper say?
One says "The whole world was created for me" (Bishvili nivra ha-olam) and the other says "I am but dust and ashes" (Va'anochi afar va'efer).
What did Yosef do that made his brothers angry, even before the dreams?
He brought bad reports about his brothers to their father.
POP UP PHYSCIAL CHALLENGE!
The group that chose this challenge gets to support each other in doing 5 sit-ups each.
In the story about the Chazon Ish, what was his big lesson after walking a long distance with a bad heart?
"One just has to start!" — if you start and keep going, even slowly with rest breaks, you will eventually get there. But if you never start, you'll never arrive.
According to the Tomer Devorah, if someone makes you angry, what should you try to find in that person?
A good side — for example, that they do good things for other people or have a good trait.
Rabbi Yochanan teaches in Megillah 31a that wherever you find Hashem's might in the Torah, you also find something else right next to it. What is it?
Hashem's humility — shown by His caring for orphans and widows.
According to Rabbi Sacks, what are the three stages of repentance (teshuvah) that the brothers went through before Yosef could forgive them?
(1) Admission of guilt, (2) Confession, (3) Behavioral change.
Tzedek is a word with many meanings. Name at least three English words that help translate what tzedek means.
Justice, charity, righteousness, integrity, equity, fairness, innocence — any three count!
Which daily morning blessing asks Hashem for the strength connected to zerizut — "Who gives strength to the _____"?
"Who gives strength to the weary."
If someone is provoking you to anger, what should you do?
According to Rabbi Buxbaum: Be silent, and if you must speak, speak in a low and gentle voice.
POP UP PHYSICAL CHALLENGE!
Pretend it's Simeon's Bar Mitzvah. How will you treat him with respect? Show me by shaking Simeon's hand and saying Mazel tov nicely.
According to Rashi, the tribes of Zevulun and Yissachar had a special partnership. What did each one contribute?
Zevulun went out to do business and earn money, and Yissachar studied Torah. Zevulun financially supported Yissachar's learning.