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Contents
Versions
Introductioni; On Knowing God and Desecrating God's Nameii; On Loving Godiii; On Fear of Heaven and Honoring Parentsiv; On Torah Study and Fulfilment of the Mitzvotv; On Kindnessvi; On Charityvii; On Prayerviii; On Humility and Prideix; On Modesty and Immoralityx; On Shame and Arrogancexi; On Faith and Theftxii; On Integrity and Deceitxiii; On Compassion and Crueltyxiv; On Amicability and Angerxv; On Reputationxvi; On Good and Evil Inclinationsxvii; On Repentancexviii; On Wisdom and Foolishnessxix; On Wealthxx; On Diligence and Lazinessxxi; On Contentment and Gluttonyxxii; On Generosity and Stinginessxxiii; On Proper Conductxxiv; On Peace and Contention, Gossip and Slander
About This Text
Author: Yechiel ben Yekutiel
Ma’alot HaMiddot (“The Virtue of Character Traits”), first printed with the title Beit HaMiddot, is an ethical treatise written by Rabbi Yechiel ben Yekutiel Anav in 13th-century Italy. The work contains 24 chapters, each of which discusses a positive character trait, its advantages and impact, and the drawbacks of its negative counterpart. The list includes items in the intellectual realm, such as knowing God and studying Torah, and interpersonal matters likekindness and charity. Discussions are built primarily on citations from the Bible, Talmud, and earlier ethical works.