Basic Values and Morality

How do “emes” and “chesed” differ? The word “emes” means “truth”; but when it is contrasted with “chesed”, the commentaries suggest that “chesed” is a voluntary thing, whereas “emes” is a responsibility. CHESED can mean grace, favor, charity, or righteousness.…

What does the Bible teach us about perseverance? Two good quotes are Job 14:19 (water wears away stone) and Proverbs 24:16 (a righteous man falls seven times and gets up again).

Where does the Bible say that violence is not a good thing? Answer: A Biblical verse that speaks against violence is Zechariah 4:6: “Not through arms, and not through force, but through My spirit”. All the Best, Rabbi Azriel Schreiber 

What must a Jew believe in order to go to Heaven? Belief in G-d is necessary for a Jew to merit a reward in the World to Come, but it isn’t sufficient; observance of G-d’s commandments is also essential. This…

What keeps the world going? "The world is sustained only because of the breath of schoolchildren" (Talmud, Shabbos 119b).

What does the Torah say about developing personalpower over life? The Torah encourages self-control (Who is mighty? He who conquers his inclinations: Mishnah Avos 4:1) and values the spiritual over the physical (Not by strength, but by My spirit: Zechariah…

Is there a reward for good intentions? Here are three Talmudic sources about the importance of our intentions: Berachos 5b: People who do what they can, and have good intentions, are rewarded. Shabbos 63a: If someone intends to perform a…

Are we responsible for improving other people's behavior? We should try to improve others, but only if they're willing to accept our advice (Lev. 19:17; Talmud, Arachin 16b). If we aren't able to improve others, we are better off staying…