" Another of his merits he conceived to be that of never resenting
an offense; mindful of the words of Rabba, "He who is indulgent toward
others' faults, will be mercifully dealt with by the Supreme Judge."
Rabbi Zera said that the merit of having reached an extreme age was in
his case due, under Providence, to his conduct through life. He governed
his household with mildness and forbearance. He refrained from advancing
an opinion before his superiors in wisdom. He avoided rehearsing the
word of God in places not entirely free from uncleanliness. He wore the
phylacteries all day, that he might be reminded of his religious duties.
He did not make the college where sacred knowledge is taught, a place of
convenience, as, for instance, to sleep there, either occasionally or
habitually. He never rejoiced over the downfall of a fellow-mortal, nor
would he designate another by a name objectionable to the party
personally, or to the family of which he was a member.
* * * * *
"Three friends," said the Rabbis, "has man. God, his father, and his
mother. He who honors his parents honors God."
Rabbi Judah said, "Known and revealed are the ways of man. A mother
coaxes a child with kind words and gentle ways, gaining honor and
affection; therefore, the Bible says, 'Honor thy father,' before 'honor
thy mother.
Pages:
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493