Middot literally means “measures,” but it’s typically translated as “character traits,” because a person is defined—or measured—by their character traits.
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The Power of Self-ControlTANAKH
The Power of Self-Control
TANAKH
The value of self-control and forbearance is greater than physical might and conquest. The book of Proverbs, part of the Hebrew Bible, offers wisdom on living a moral and righteous life, emphasizing the importance of mastering one's emotions and impulses.
Inherently Holy TraitsCHASIDUT
Inherently Holy Traits
CHASIDUT
The traits of a Jew are inherently holy and come from a divine source, but their appearance can be distorted in the physical world. Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Piaseczner Rebbe, uses the metaphor of clear water in a dirty flask to explain how divine traits can appear distorted in the physical world.
Balancing Kindness with RestraintCHASIDUT
Balancing Kindness with Restraint
CHASIDUT
Balancing love and generosity with discernment and moral appropriateness is essential for true kindness. The Baal Shem Tov, the 18th-century founder of Hasidic Judaism, teaches the integration of Chesed (loving-kindness) with Gevurah (restraint).
Purification During the OmerCHASIDUT
Purification During the Omer
CHASIDUT
The counting of the Omer between Pesach and Shavuot marks a period of spiritual purification and preparation, akin to the Israelites' purification from the impurity of Egypt. Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apt, in his Hasidic work 'Ohev Yisrael,' parallels this time with the fifty gates of understanding, emphasizing repentance and the cultivation of middot (character traits) for healing the soul.
The Pathway to PatienceJEWISH THOUGHT
The Pathway to Patience
JEWISH THOUGHT
The virtue of slowness to anger is a sign of great understanding and spiritual enlightenment, akin to a divine attribute. The 16th-century Jewish scholar, Maharal of Prague, contrasts the material nature of quick anger with the higher, non-material nature of patience.
The Virtues of Rabbi ZeiraTALMUD
The Virtues of Rabbi Zeira
TALMUD
Rabbi Zeira's personal practices and behaviors offer a unique insight into cultivating character traits and achieving longevity. In the Babylonian Talmud in tractate Moed Katan, Rabbi Zeira shares the virtues that granted him longevity, including never being angry at home, respecting greater scholars, and always meditating on Torah.
The Virtue of PatienceCOMMENTARY
The Virtue of Patience
COMMENTARY
Patience is a virtue, while anger, though instantly gratifying, is the hallmark of fools. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s commentary on Ecclesiastes delves into the importance of patience and the pitfalls of anger, drawing from Jewish ethical teachings.
The Necessity of FortitudeJEWISH THOUGHT
The Necessity of Fortitude
JEWISH THOUGHT
Fortitude (gevurah) is essential for achieving true perfection in knowledge and fear of the Lord. Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaCohen Kook’s work emphasizes the importance of unwavering commitment and pure desire in the pursuit of self-improvement and significant accomplishments.
Ethics in Business and Personal ConductHALAKHAH
Ethics in Business and Personal Conduct
HALAKHAH
Conducting business with honesty and integrity, while showing leniency and generosity towards others, glorifies God. In his famed 12th-century code of Jewish law, Mishneh Torah, Maimonides (Rambam) emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in business and personal conduct.
The Destructive Nature of Negative TraitsMISHNAH
The Destructive Nature of Negative Traits
MISHNAH
Negative character traits such as an evil eye, the evil inclination, and hatred for humankind can lead to one's downfall. Pirkei Avot, a work of ancient rabbinic ethics and wisdom from the land of Israel, offers ethical teachings and maxims from the Rabbis, traditionally studied on Shabbat afternoons in the summer months.
The Soul's Intellect and EmotionsCHASIDUT
The Soul's Intellect and Emotions
CHASIDUT
The Tanya offers a profound understanding of the human soul by dividing it into intellect (sechel) and emotional attributes (middot). Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi’s Tanya is a foundational text of Chabad Chassidic philosophy, guiding Jews in spiritual and ethical development.
The Dangers of AngerMIDRASH
The Dangers of Anger
MIDRASH
Anger can lead to severe consequences, including disregard for the Divine Presence, forgetfulness of one's studies, and an increase in foolishness and transgressions. The Ein Yaakov, a 15th-century compilation of talmudic stories, parables, and biblical interpretation, offers ethical teachings and moral lessons.
Adopting Positive Character TraitsJEWISH THOUGHT
Adopting Positive Character Traits
JEWISH THOUGHT
The teachings of different sages in Pirkei Avot offer a roadmap to adopting specific positive character traits for a good and righteous life. Pirkei Avot, a work of ancient rabbinic ethics and wisdom from the land of Israel, is a collection of ethical teachings and maxims from the Rabbis, traditionally studied for its moral guidance.
The Virtue of HumilityCOMMENTARY
The Virtue of Humility
COMMENTARY
Even those who have attained high levels of learning or status should avoid seeking personal honor and remain humble. Pirkei Avot, a work of ancient rabbinic ethics and wisdom from the land of Israel, offers timeless ethical teachings and maxims from the Rabbis.
The Foundation of a Good HeartCOMMENTARY
The Foundation of a Good Heart
COMMENTARY
A good heart is seen as the source of all virtuous actions, surpassing other individual character traits. Rabbi Ovadiah Bartenura’s commentary on Pirkei Avot, a work of ancient rabbinic ethics and wisdom from the land of Israel, highlights Rabbi Elazar ben Arakh’s statement about the importance of a good heart, endorsed by Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai.
Inherent Traits of the Jewish PeopleMUSAR
Inherent Traits of the Jewish People
MUSAR
The Jewish people are divinely endowed with the traits of shamefacedness, mercy, and lovingkindness. Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, known as the Chofetz Chaim, explores these inherent qualities in his ethical work, Shemirat HaLashon.
The Pursuit of Peace and HonorREFERENCE
The Pursuit of Peace and Honor
REFERENCE
Honoring others and pursuing peace are central to proper human behavior. Rabbi Elazar ben Shamua, a prominent sage from the Mishnaic period, emphasized these values in his teachings.
The Humility of AvrahamKABBALAH
The Humility of Avraham
KABBALAH
Avraham, despite his high status, exemplified humility by diminishing himself even before the smallest of people. The 16th-century ethical and mystical work Reshit Chokhmah by Rabbi Eliyahu de Vidas uses Avraham's humility to teach moral and spiritual development.