I would like some readings/writings about the phrase “derech eretz”– I think of it as “respect” but I would like to pursue this “right road” further. I hope that there have been many comments and understandings of what is the “right” and “respectful” and other ways for behavior and behaving
thank you
(I hope that I have correctly understood your question as a search for ‘right’ and ‘respectful’ behaviors in Judaism and Jewish Literature. It is in this spirit that I respond.)The search for correct behavior and ethics in Judaism is an old one, and one which many people strive to find. Many statements about ethical behavior have been made by various leaders over the many Generations in Jewish History. A compilation of the most well known and prominent ones can be found in “Pirkei Avot” or “Ethics of the fathers”. Judaism has always seen Ethical behavior as central to the Jewish way of life. An interesting statement by the Sages of previous Generations springs to my mind, which is “Derech Eretz Precedes Torah” – which means that in some way, ethical behavior is the ‘entry fee’ to the world of Torah thought and law.
The field of Jewish Ethics is such a wide one, that I would feel uncomfortable simply giving a small bite-size example – perhaps the best advice would be to read the rather short “Ethics of the Fathers”. The best and most succinct version of this book is the ‘Artscroll Mesorah Series’ – which is a user-friendly small book.
If you wish to discuss in greater detail one particular element within ‘Good Jewish Behavior’ – Please e-mail back, and I promise that the reply will not take as long as this one did.
Enjoy searching.