'[
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD.
 
 GEMS 
 
 FROM 
 
 THE TALMUD, 
 
 {Translates into JEngltsb Der?e, 
 
 REV. ISIDORE MYERS, B.A. 
 
 in the Talmud told, 
 
 That hook of gems, that book of gold, 
 Of wonders many and manifold. 
 
 Longfellow. 
 
 LONDON : 
 SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & CO., LIMITED. 
 
 1894. 
 [All Rights Reserved.}
 
 LONDON : 
 
 PRINTED BY WERTHEIMER, LEA & CO., 
 CIRCUS PLACE, LONDON WALL.
 
 REVERENTLY AND AFFECTIONATELY 
 
 MY DEAR FATHER. 
 
 2094317
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 THE Hebrew passages, selected, with few excep- 
 tions, from the Babylonian Talmud, have been 
 carefully pointed, and the references are given 
 both in Hebrew and in English characters. 
 
 As regards the metrical translations, which 
 constitute the chief novel feature of this book, 
 many of them first appeared some years ago 
 in the Melbourne Jewish Herald, some in the 
 same, some in a modified form ; all the others 
 were composed more recently in England, at 
 various times and in different places. The idea 
 of having these verses published was frequently 
 suggested to me by many who were present at 
 my lectures on the Talmud, a course of which I 
 have had the honour to deliver in London and 
 in the Provinces. 
 
 It has been my endeavour, as far as possible 
 to make the translations literal, and, where it
 
 Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 has been necessary to paraphrase, I have tried 
 to preserve the full sense of the original. 
 
 The sentences have been arranged in some 
 order according to the subjects they treat of, and 
 an Alphabetical Index at the end of the book 
 should be found useful. 
 
 My best thanks are due and are hereby con- 
 veyed to all friends, Jewish and Christian, who 
 have kindly given me useful hints and sugges- 
 tions, or have in other ways encouraged me in 
 my work. More especially am I indebted to a 
 gentleman whose extreme modesty forbids me to 
 name him here openly, but whose valuable ser- 
 vices impel me to thank him most cordially. 
 
 In offering to the public as specimens a few 
 out of the numerous jewels of Rabbinic thought 
 found in the vast Talmudic store-house, not to 
 mention the other rich treasuries of Rabbinical 
 Literature, it is my sincere hope that these 
 " Gems from the Talmud," though differing in 
 beauty and lustre, will all prove valuable and 
 
 acceptable. 
 
 I. M. 
 
 LONDON, December, 1893.
 
 3"' 
 
 The words of the Wise are as goads, 
 And as nails that are firmly fastened 
 Are the words of Collectors of Sayings." 
 
 (Efdesiastes xii. n).
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 DHDH n^DJ nrfenn min (0 
 
 T -; ; T T : T 
 
 : DHn 
 
 (* 7" 
 
 -re nb>iyn ina (2) 
 b nnv 
 
 npm npnv-i (3) 
 rwn 
 
 - 
 
 v (4) 
 
 rttour^ nns^ib npnx ^3 
 
 vv - : |T T : | - 
 
 (: " 3*3)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 The Essence of Religion. 
 (l) All virtues doth beneficence transcend, 
 With it the Torah doth begin and end. 
 
 (Sot ah 
 
 CJiarity Superior to Sacrifices. 
 (2) An act of charity's of greater worth 
 Than all the sacrificial rites on earth. 
 
 (Succak 49^). 
 
 Charity and Benevolence our Advocates. 
 (3) The kindly deeds that we increase, 
 
 And all the generous gifts we've given, 
 Ascend as messengers of peace, 
 To plead for us they never cease 
 Before our Father that's in heaven. 
 
 (Baba Bathra 
 
 Charity Atones for the Gentiles. 
 (4) As Israel's sacrifices once atoned 
 
 For sins which were with true repentance owned, 
 
 So is the charity of Gentiles sure 
 
 For all their sins atonement to procure. 
 
 (Baba Bathra IO^). 
 B2
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 nrrnS runs TJJVI vr (s> 
 
 ('P 'f> P13f>) 
 
 Si (6) 
 
 '0 3"3) 
 
 ^pri^ rijrjy px (7) 
 non ^S vbx 
 
 nj n^-na (8) 
 
 s n,rra 
 
 T 8 T : f JTT: 
 
 : 7VT} ^ 
 
 3"3) 
 
 n^rrp vys? D^^n Si (9)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 The Poor, 
 
 (5) O let thy house stand open wide, 
 That in thy home the poor abide ! 
 
 (A both I. 5). 
 
 Kind Words to the Poor. 
 (6) Who gives his mite to one distress'd, 
 With many blessings shall be bless'd ; 
 Who gives with words of sympathy, 
 With twice as many bless'd shall be. 
 
 (Baba Bathra 
 
 Alms. 
 
 (7) All gifts of alms their recompense shall gain 
 According to the kindness they contain. 
 
 (Sncc ah 49/'). 
 
 TJie Poor Man's Mite. 
 (8) As oft by joining scale to scale, 
 Is made the largest coat-of-mail, 
 So, added, all the mites you've given 
 Shall reach a large amount in heaven. 
 
 (Baba Bathra ga). 
 
 TJie Uncharitable. 
 
 (9) To claims of charity who shuts his eyes, 
 To idol-worshippers himself allies. 
 
 (Kethuboth 680).
 
 6 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 * ( IQ ) 
 
 ("p 
 
 n-) (ii) 
 ('p'a 
 
 r ^ (12) 
 
 nn D^p 
 t!i3 n n 
 
 n 
 
 n^p p.
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 7 
 
 Neglecting the Sick, 
 (lO) Who fails to tend the sick incurreth guilt 
 
 As though by him had human blood been spilt. 
 
 (Nedarim 40**). 
 
 Give to God. 
 
 (i i) Give unto Him of that which is His own ! 
 For thou and thine belong to Him alone. 
 
 (Aboth III. 8). 
 
 Charity the Mightiest Thing on Earth. 
 (12) There are ten strong things in the world : 
 The rock is strong, but iron breaks it ; 
 The iron's strong, but fire can melt it ; 
 The fire is strong, water can quench it ; 
 Water is strong, the clouds absorb it ; 
 The clouds are strong, the winds disperse them ; 
 The wind is strong, a man withstands it ; 
 A man is strong, but fear unmans him ; 
 Man's fear is strong, but wine removes it ; 
 And wine is strong, but sleep dispels it ; 
 But stronger than all these is death ! 
 Yet charity can save from death ! 
 
 {Baba Bathra ioa).
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 (13) 
 
 JWD) 
 
 -"!iny)" (14) 
 ! iS nan )n 
 * D^rrri pun 
 ! D^ni.) pun 
 
 rvin:prrSy 
 
 in|n-Sy Dnn^n hz (16)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 9 
 
 A Good Heart. 
 
 (13) What leads to all the good that man can find ? 
 A heart that's good to Heav'n and to mankind. 
 
 (Aboth of R. Nathan XIV. 5). 
 
 Honour God by Imitating Him. 
 (14) You'll then best glorify your heav'nly Sire, 
 When to resemble Him you will aspire, 
 Abounding, like the Merciful above, 
 In tender mercy and in gracious love. 
 
 (Shabbatk 133^). 
 
 7 'lie True Child of Abraham. 
 (15) Whosoever on showing compassion is bent, 
 From the patriarch Abram may claim his 
 descent. 
 
 (Betsa 
 
 Only tJie Merciful sJiall Receive Mercy. 
 Who shows compassion to mankind, 
 From Heaven shall compassion find ; 
 But who compassion doth not own, 
 To him shall none from Heav'n be shown. 
 
 (Shabbath 151*).
 
 IO GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 -IT n&wp &\ D^p r\iv (17) 
 
 rip ^n (is> 
 
 (3"' 'f 
 
 (19) 
 
 nj nn 
 
 f-"7) 
 
 rn^n *n nnriNi- (20) 
 rarix
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. II 
 
 Jewish CJiaracteristics . 
 (17) By three distinctive signs we trace 
 The members of the Jewish race : 
 A tender heart, self- reverence, 
 And practical benevolence. 
 
 (Yebamoth 79^). 
 
 Love of Humanity. 
 
 (18) Strive to be of Aaron's true disciples 
 Loving and pursuing peace each day, 
 Ever loving all thy fellow-creatures, 
 Bringing them beneath religion's sway ! 
 
 (Abotk I. 12). 
 
 Hatred is Murder. 
 
 (19) The man that hates his neighbour may be said 
 To be of those that human blood have shed. 
 
 (Derech Eretz Rabba ll). 
 
 Love. 
 
 (20) When Love upon a motive doth depend, 
 'Twill with the motive end ; 
 But when it hath no motive, Love is sure 
 For ever to endure. 
 
 (AM A y. 19).
 
 12 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 &nfc nin (21) 
 
 i (22) 
 
 i n^vn xS ^nS 
 
 (' f>"5 P3D) 
 
 xn-rn p r ^n (23) 
 j n^T 5)?S 
 
 ('1 'f> P13f) 
 
 ri-S (24) 
 
 1 *TPI* p T ~ (25) 
 
 : in W nn n p8y 
 
 TV TV : I T | v 
 
 ('' '7 PU6) 
 
 D-T^rrSrn^ hzti 'in (26) 
 
 i r\w D 
 (fo 'f>
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 13 
 
 Love and Hate. 
 
 (21) When love or hatred sways the heart, 
 A man will from his rules depart. 
 
 (Sanhedrin 105^). 
 
 T/ie Golden Rule. 
 
 (22) Whatever hateful is to you 
 Unto your neighbour never do ! 
 
 (Shal'balh 3 1 a). 
 
 Judge Charitably. 
 (23) Judge charitably every man, 
 And justify him all you can ! 
 
 (Aboth I. 6). 
 
 Judge Not. 
 
 (24) Judge not your fellow-man's condition 
 Until you be in his position ! 
 
 (Aboth //. 5). 
 
 Judge Not Alone. 
 (25) Judge not alone ! for none 
 Can judge alone save One. 
 
 (Aboth IV. 10). 
 
 Courtesy. 
 
 (26) Receive each man, at every meeting, 
 With affable and friendly greeting ! 
 
 (Aboth I. 15)
 
 14 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 WN (27} 
 i nin:prnN 
 
 'f> '7 
 
 3n TO:? vv (28) 
 
 p": P"3) 
 
 (29) 
 ?n oSi^S pSn iS j* 
 
 ( '3 PJW 'DVT) 
 
 nii (30) 
 
 * * * 
 nnn \ n (31)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 15 
 
 Respect. 
 
 (27) Who does respect and honour find? 
 Who honours and respects mankind. 
 
 (Aboth IV. i). 
 
 A Neighbour's Honour. 
 (28) Thy neighbour's honour e'er be prone 
 
 To hold as sacred as thine own ! 
 
 (Aboth II. 15). 
 
 A Neighbour's Shame. 
 (29) Who gets his honour through his neighbour's 
 
 shame, 
 No share of future bliss can ever claim. 
 
 (Jer. Chagiga 2). 
 
 Putting to Shame. 
 
 (30) In a fiery furnace 'tis better to rush 
 
 Than a fellow-man publicly put to the blush. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 59*1). 
 * 
 
 (31) Who putteth publicly to shame 
 His fellow-man, incurreth blame 
 
 As great as would have been his guilt 
 If he his neighbour's blood had spilt. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 58^).
 
 1 6 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ran ^s-nx jsn (32) 
 aSiyS pjpn iS p 
 
 D"3 J5"3) 
 
 (33) 
 J inSpSp ny^a 
 
 T |T :|- - : 
 
 "3 '7 POT) 
 
 D (34) 
 
 : nj5v? nM ta$5 
 (: f 13 
 
 (35)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 17 
 
 Putting to Shame. 
 
 (32) Who puts his neighbour publicly to shame 
 To future bliss shall forfeit all his claim. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 59<z). 
 
 A Neighbour's Disgrace. 
 (33) Seek not to see thy neighbour's face, 
 
 If he be still in his disgrace ! 
 
 (Aboth IV. 23). 
 
 Slander. 
 (34) The man that is to slander given 
 
 Denies, in sooth, the God of Heaven. 
 
 {Erachin 
 
 Calumny. 
 
 (35) If other men have spoken of you ill, 
 
 Be still ! 
 
 The calumny, though great, but little deem ! 
 If you have spoken ill of other men, 
 
 Why then, 
 
 The calumny, though little, great should seem, 
 Until you've gained their favour and esteem. 
 
 (Derech Entz Zuta /.). 
 C
 
 1 8 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 Tpnn jiD& ',T (36) 
 1*^2 
 
 (I*' '3 r>13f>) 
 
 toinn Sn n (37) 
 
 (38) 
 : iM ^n K^ 
 
 (' P"P j'W'J) 
 
 n^i D itfpn (39) 
 
 : D*ai T 
 
 <: f^P JJ'S)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 19 
 
 A Neighbours Property. 
 (36) Thy neighbour's goods be ever prone 
 
 To hold as sacred as thine own ! 
 
 (Abotk II. 17). 
 
 Honesty. 
 (37) To rob a mortal 'neath the sky 
 
 Is worse than robbing God on high. 
 
 (Baba Bathra 8Sa). 
 
 T/ie Receiver Worse titan the Thief. 
 (38) 'Twas not the mouse 
 Within the house 
 
 Committed theft ; 
 It was the hole 
 Where what it stole 
 
 It brought and left. 
 
 (Gittin 452). 
 
 Usury. 
 (39) Who lend on usury are like in guilt 
 
 To those by whom the blood of men is spilt. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 6il>). 
 C2
 
 20 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 p'p jn r 'pio? O'^V N (40) 
 
 * nnn iv NH 
 
 nsn 
 
 PTW 
 
 (41) 
 
 r\m rrpipn n^ 2 (42) 
 nnii oisn 
 
 nn;j 
 
 n TOT^g (43) 
 
 : Dipp 
 '7 pi:f>
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 21 
 
 Duty to Ones Neighbours. 
 (40) The smallest harm regard as great, 
 The greatest good as little rate, 
 
 In deeds which you to others do ' 
 The smallest good as great esteem, 
 The greatest harm as little deem, 
 In deeds which otliers do to you ! 
 
 (Aboth of R. Nathan XLI. 11). 
 
 TJte Path to Choose. 
 
 (41) Which is the path, both right and wise, 
 
 That for himself a man should find ? 
 That which himself much dignifies, 
 And brings him honour from mankind. 
 
 (Aboth II. i). 
 
 Please Man to Please God. 
 
 (42) Who gratifies his neighbours' minds, 
 In him God's Spirit pleasure finds ; 
 Who fails men's minds to gratify, 
 Doth fail to please his God on high. 
 
 (Aboth III. 13). 
 
 Contempt. 
 
 (43) Despise no man, nor scorn his pow'r ! 
 
 Nor, carping, cast on aught disgrace ! 
 There's not a man without his hour, 
 And not a thing without its place. 
 
 (Aboth IV. 3).
 
 22 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 nnn &to Knfi Diy? (44) 
 
 r"r> 
 
 (45) 
 
 ir (46) 
 
 : nrjiK wifc^ nb^iy^ ft 
 C '6 yb y-)7f>) 
 
 (47) 
 
 (48)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 23 
 
 Forbearance, 
 
 (44) With your left hand push away ! 
 With your right hand cause to stay ! 
 
 (Sotah 47). 
 
 Forgiveness. 
 
 (45) The man by whom his neighbours are forgiven, 
 Himself sweet pardon shall receive from 
 
 Heaven. 
 
 (Rosh Hashanah l?a). 
 
 Turning Foes into Friends. 
 
 (46) The name of " Bravest of the Brave," 
 
 On whom should we bestow ? 
 On him who turns into a friend 
 His greatest mortal foe. 
 
 (Aboth of R. Nathan XXIII. I). 
 
 Friendship. 
 
 (47) Or Comrade sweet, 
 Or Death I'd greet. 
 
 (Taanith 233). 
 
 Fair- Weather Friends. 
 (48) At the door of the rich there is many a friend 
 
 and a brother ; 
 
 At the door of the poor there's neither the 
 one nor the other. 
 
 (Shabbath 323).
 
 24 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 iK I&K (49) 
 
 ( f>"5 JOT) 
 
 ^ (50) 
 
 (51) 
 
 (52) 
 J vjs^? ^ ^n^s^ ny^3 
 
 '7 Plrf) 
 
 toinn nsi? ^J-N D (ss)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 25 
 
 A Word at Parting. 
 {49) When from thy friend thou art about to part, 
 
 Let some instructive word be spoken ; 
 That word he'll ever cherish in his heart, 
 And thee remember by its token. 
 
 (Berachoth 310). 
 
 Pray for OtJiers. 
 
 (50) Who for his neighbour's sake doth plead 
 
 That God to him a gift may send, 
 If he himself that boon doth need, 
 Receives that boon before his friend. 
 
 (Baba Kama <)2a). 
 
 Anger. 
 
 (51) Seek not thy neighbour to assuage 
 While still he manifests his rage ! 
 
 (Aboth IV. 23). 
 
 Comforting. 
 (52) Thy fellow-man to comfort do not try 
 
 While still he sees his dead before him lie ! 
 
 (Aboth IV. 23). 
 
 Blessing. 
 {53) Another's blessing ne'er despise, 
 
 Though looking simple in thine eyes ! 
 
 (Megillah 153).
 
 26 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 7p 'nips B7W? (54) 
 
 ( a" i P"3) 
 
 iraa n^n^n ^75 (55) 
 
 io Nifcn (56) 
 
 TT; T ; - \-s / 
 
 : N'p 
 
 "3) 
 
 (57) 
 
 (58)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 2/ 
 
 Curse. 
 (54) Think never lightly of an imprecation 
 
 That's uttered by a man of lowly station ! 
 
 (Baba Kama 930). 
 
 Ingratitude. 
 (55) Cast not a stone into the well 
 
 Whose water did your thirst dispel ! 
 
 (Baba Kama qzb). 
 
 Misplaced Gratitude. 
 
 (56) The master owns the wine of sweetest flavour ; 
 The butler gets the credit for the favour. 
 
 (Baba Kama <)2l>). 
 
 Praise. 
 (57) Before his face you praise a man 
 
 With praises but a few ; 
 Behind his back praise him with all 
 The praise that is his due ! 
 
 (Erubin l8l>). 
 
 Improving. 
 
 (58) Improve thyself and then 
 Improve all other men ! 
 
 (Baba Metsia 107*).
 
 28 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 (59) 
 
 ir (60) 
 
 w paa rnip ^" 
 
 3"3) 
 
 (6 
 
 :t ^ viin ny^2? 
 6*7) T 
 
 -NTon ipnf? ^n (62) 
 
 : oisn 
 
 -
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 29 
 
 Reproving. 
 
 (59) Taunt not a man with that defect 
 Which in thyself thou canst detect ! 
 
 (Baba Metsia 59^). 
 
 Reprovers Reproved. 
 
 (60) Woe to the age in which the judged, alas, 
 May justly on their judges sentence pass ! 
 
 If one, who doth reprove his neighbour, cries, 
 "Do thou take out the splinter of thine eyes !" 
 The other answers in a chiding tone, 
 "Do thou remove the beam out of thine own !" 
 
 (Baba Bathra \$b). 
 
 Eccentricity. 
 
 (61) Let no one act as if he had a mind 
 
 That differed from his friends and all mankind! 
 
 (Derech Eretz 7). 
 
 Submission. 
 
 (62) Your neighbour calls you " Ass " before your 
 
 face 
 Then quickly on your back a saddle place ! 
 
 (Bal>a Kama <)2b). 
 
 Appearances. 
 
 (63) Before our fellow-creatures we must be 
 As blameless as before the Deity. 
 
 (Jer. Shekalim 3).
 
 vaN-n 
 
 30 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 : "fiDN O'Yrn 
 
 * * # 
 
 (65) 
 : ^yaS njsnrri&i 
 
 ('3 '3 ;"77f>) 
 
 cn D^n^ n^ (66) 
 
 ni (67) 
 : Krn:i naij; ^ NS 
 
 ( :"D
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 31 
 
 Appearances. 
 
 (64) Whatever, for appearance' sake, 
 
 The sages have forbidden, 
 Should not be done by any man, 
 Though in his chamber hidden. 
 
 (Shabbath 146^). 
 * * * 
 
 (65) From that which is unseemly, run ! 
 And that which seems unseemly, shun ! 
 
 (Aboth of R. Nathan II. 2). 
 
 Parents. 
 (66) God, your Father and your Mother, 
 
 They have each a share in you ; 
 If you pay to both your parents 
 
 That respect which is their due, 
 Then together with your parents 
 God considers He doth dwell, 
 And by honouring your parents 
 You do honour God as well. 
 
 (Kiddushin jo/'). 
 
 Example. 
 
 (67) The sheep will follow one another : 
 A daughter acts as acts the mother. 
 
 (Kethuboth 630).
 
 32 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 UH NJW (68) 
 
 (: f p 
 
 (6 9 ) 
 
 (70) 
 
 n^n 
 
 pn 
 
 i (72).
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 33 
 
 Home Influence. 
 
 (68) The prattle of a child out for a walk 
 Is but an echo of his parent's talk. 
 
 (Sue f a/i $6fi). 
 
 Hebrew Servants. 
 
 (69) Who doth a Hebrew servant gain 
 Doth for himself a lord obtain. 
 
 (Kiddushin zoa). 
 
 Servants. 
 
 (70) Enough for the servant if he 
 As high as his master will be. 
 
 (Berachoth 
 
 Guests. 
 
 (71) The bidding of your host obey ! 
 Unless he bid you " Go away ! " 
 
 (Pesachim 86/<) 
 
 Peace. 
 
 (72) How great is Peace ! to Earth below 
 It is what leaven is to dough ! 
 
 (Perek ffashalom). 
 D
 
 34 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 . -D* DSiyn Dnri ne-Sy (73) 
 
 * * * 
 
 D^iyn ongn nB^tf-Sy (74) 
 ta^f Sy] rniiyrr^yi rninrrSy 
 
 ('3 'f> nuf 1 ) 
 
 ' (75) 
 
 Dy ito^y iv^pn SJD (76) 
 
 -"nw nnjj nnyn wz DM" ( 77 )
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 35 
 
 Society. 
 
 (73) The world depends upon these three, 
 On Justice, Truth, and Harmony. 
 
 (Aboth I. 18). 
 * * * 
 
 (74) On these three mighty pillars rests society, 
 On Education, Charity, and Piety. 
 
 (Aboth I. 2). 
 
 TJie Public. 
 
 (75) Yourself you must not separate 
 From sharing in the public fate ! 
 
 (Aboth II. 5). 
 
 A Community in Trouble. 
 
 (76) The man that shares a congregation's grief 
 Shall live to see its comfort and relief. 
 
 ( Taanith i la). 
 
 Leaders of a Community. 
 (77) As the eyes of a bride, when with beauty they 
 
 shine, 
 
 Of her general beauty are deemed a sure sign, 
 So will a community's leaders attest, 
 By their worth and their fitness, the worth of 
 the rest. 
 
 ( Taanith 240). 
 D2
 
 36 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 *oy hy K T sn rri 12 (78) 
 : Nntop 
 
 C 3"J P"3) 
 
 jn HiO: Dp (79) 
 
 bT. pa i 1 ? nmw s-jn ^3 
 : vririn iS 
 
 (so) 
 
 jnn nip (8
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 37 
 
 Bad Leaders. 
 (78) When the shepherd is wroth with his flock, 
 
 you will find 
 
 That the shepherd doth render the bell-wether 
 blind. 
 
 (Baba Kama 520). 
 
 Tlie Sanctity of Life. 
 (79) A judge, ere he the sentence doth impart, 
 
 Should feel, while sitting on his judgment- 
 seat, 
 
 As if a sword were pointed at his heart, 
 And dreadful hell were open at his feet. 
 
 (Sanhedrin J/>). 
 
 Honest Judges. 
 (80) The judge, in judgment, just and fair 
 
 For even one brief hour, 
 Is deemed as if he had a share 
 In God's creative power. 
 
 (Shabbath icw). 
 
 Justice. 
 (81) Let justice flow from its pure source, 
 
 Though piercing mountains in its course ! 
 
 (Sanhedrin 6a).
 
 38 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 na^a *hp& &OH ^ap 1 ! (82) 
 
 (* fi^' 
 
 (83)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 39 
 
 The Verdict of a Court. 
 (82) If the court hath seized thy garment, 
 
 Which to thee doth not belong, 
 Go upon thy way rejoicing 
 
 That repaired hath been the wrong ! 
 
 (Sanhedrin ja). 
 
 Jewish Loyalty. 
 (83) When first the sons of Judah 
 
 Were into exile driven, 
 Were oaths to Jews and Gentiles 
 
 Administered by Heaven. 
 The Jews did swear they'd never, 
 
 Uniting in one band, 
 By force try to recover 
 
 Their freedom and their land ; 
 And, loyal to the countries 
 
 W T here they should chance to dwell, 
 Against those several nations 
 
 They never would rebel. 
 And all the Gentile nations 
 
 Before the Lord did swear, 
 They ne'er would use oppression 
 
 Too great for Jews to bear. 
 
 (Kethuboth \\\d\.
 
 40 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 -inn n#N (84) 
 
 S^srip nn (85) 
 
 ('3 'a 
 
 3"P 
 
 (* '3 P 
 
 jiibo Die? 1 ? nspx Nbw S| (88) 
 
 : D^^n^ ww D^ 
 C'p
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 4! 
 
 Obedience to Authority. 
 
 (84) Bless'd is that age, and happy is its fate, 
 When to the small obedient are the great ! 
 
 (Rosh Hashana z$/>). 
 
 Loyalty. 
 (85) With loyal heart and mind sincere 
 
 Pray that the Government may thrive ! 
 For men, if unrestrained by fear, 
 Would swallow other men alive. 
 
 (Aboth III. 2). 
 
 Celibacy. 
 
 (86) Whosoever spends his days without a wife 
 Has no blessing, joy, nor comfort in his life. 
 
 ( Yebamoth 626). 
 
 Marriage. 
 
 (87) To join two in wedlock as husband and bride 
 Is as hard as it was the Red Sea to divide. 
 
 (Sotak 2a). 
 
 Marrying for Money. 
 (88) Who weds a woman for her gold, 
 His children worthless shall behold. 
 
 (Kulditshin joa).
 
 42 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 N3TT rvn} (89) 
 
 (90) 
 
 (90 
 
 x (92) 
 pna
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 43 
 
 CJwosing a Wife. 
 (89) Step down in life, 
 And take a wife ! 
 One step ascend, 
 And choose your friend ! 
 
 ( Ycbamoth 630). 
 
 A Wife. 
 
 (90) To every man's assigned a wife 
 According to his acts in life. 
 
 (Sotah 
 
 Respect your Wife. 
 (91) Great care a man must ever take 
 
 To show due honour to his spouse ! 
 Since only for his wife's sweet sake 
 Do blessings rest upon his house. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 570). 
 
 Consult your Wife. 
 
 (92) If the wife you have is small, 
 
 Bend to her and whisper all ! 
 
 (Baba Metsia 590).
 
 44 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 TPIT D-TK NJT thtyh (93) 
 nsoiaq 
 
 (94) 
 inv p 
 
 (95)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 45. 
 
 Never Wrong your Wife. 
 (93) The greatest care a man must take 
 
 Never to wrong his spouse ! 
 Her ready tears God's wrath awake, 
 And speedy vengeance rouse. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 590). 
 
 Domestic Peace. 
 (94) As dearly as he loves himself, 
 
 Who doth his wife adore, 
 Respecting her as much as he 
 
 Respects himself, and more ; 
 Who leads his children, step by step, 
 
 The path of right to tread, 
 And when the proper time is nigh, 
 
 He causes them to wed ; 
 This is the man of whom we find 
 
 The Holy Scriptures say, 
 " And tJwu wilt know that in thy home 
 
 Shall peace for ever stay ! " 
 
 ( Yebamoth fob). 
 
 Poverty a Cause of Strife. 
 (95) When in the jar no barley's longer found, 
 
 Then quarrels come and through the house 
 resound. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 590).
 
 46 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 IJBW ifi^K nrw CHN- (96) 
 rva inn iW 
 
 (97) 
 nm:-i raD 
 
 |-3 (98) 
 
 nniD n^x (99) 
 niits 
 
 |n: (100) 
 inv n3 nTn ni
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 47 
 
 Death of a Wife. 
 
 (96) He who has seen the death of his first wife 
 Has seen the Temple ruined in his life. 
 
 (Sanhedrin 22/>). 
 
 A Wife's Earnings. 
 
 (97) Who waiteth for the earnings of his wife, 
 Shall see no trace of blessing in his life. 
 
 (Pesachitn 
 
 A Bad Wife. 
 (98) Any ache and any smart 
 
 Rather than an aching heart ! 
 Any ill and cruel fate 
 Rather than a cruel mate ! 
 
 (Shabbath I la). 
 
 A Good Wife. 
 
 (99) A gift most precious has that man in life 
 Who has secured a good and loving wife. 
 
 ( Ycbamoth 
 
 Woman's Intelligence. 
 (100) Intelligence to woman's heart 
 
 More than to man's did God impart. 
 
 (NiJda
 
 48 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 wa (102) 
 
 (103) 
 
 y (104) 
 ^C 1 ^) D ^3 ^?? n 
 
 j'DH'p) 
 
 nnin nn-i (105) 
 TS 1 nn
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 49 
 
 An Aged Woman. 
 
 (101) An aged man is in the house distressing; 
 An aged woman 's in the house a blessing. 
 
 (Erachin iga). 
 
 A Woman's Shame. 
 
 (102) A woman feels humiliation 
 
 More than a man feels degradation. 
 
 (Kethuboth 676). 
 
 Good Women. 
 
 (103) Through the virtues of their women, 
 
 Which upon that age did shine, 
 Were the Israelites from Egypt 
 All redeemed by help divine. 
 
 (Sotah nl>). 
 
 Woman's Loquacity. 
 
 (104) The world with ten measures of Talking is 
 
 bless'd, 
 Nine taken by Women, and one by the rest. 
 
 (Kiddushin 49/'). 
 
 Knowledge. 
 
 (105) Tis hard to get knowledge, or gain sacred lore, 
 
 As vessels of gold which are precious in cost; 
 But easy to lose it from memory's store, 
 As vessels of glass can be broken and lost. 
 
 (Chagiga 150). 
 E
 
 50 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 -on on? rtihp (106) 
 h$ 
 rot 
 
 nxn 
 nins 
 
 ^ (107) 
 injsn 
 
 (* 'P '3 
 
 ppiyi npj ISK (108) 
 : ^j jnba tfin nri 
 
 (109)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 5 1 
 
 Universal Education. 
 
 (106) Three crowns adorn'd, within the holy Shrine, 
 The Altar, Table, and the Ark divine. 
 The crown of Priesthood Aaron took alone ; 
 The crown of Kingship David made his own ; 
 But, lo ! the Torah's crown remaineth still, 
 And all may claim it, whosoever will. 
 Think not that of the three it is the least, 
 Nay, it excels the crowns of King and Priest. 
 
 ( Yoma 726). 
 
 Learn Now. 
 
 (107) Say not " When disengaged I'll learn " ! 
 Such leisure you may never earn. 
 
 (Aboth II. 50). 
 
 Education Elevates. 
 
 (108) Who learn the Torah, Gentiles though they be, 
 Are like High Priests in worth and dignity. 
 
 (Baba Kama 380). 
 
 Knowledge Brings Fame. 
 (109) Who seeking knowledge doth retired 
 
 Within his chamber hide, 
 That knowledge, when 'tis once acquired, 
 Proclaims him far and wide. 
 
 (AfoeJ Katan i 
 E 2
 
 52 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 rnin nyn p (no) 
 
 . (112) 
 
 o^jrj nti (us) 
 nn
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 53 
 
 Knowledge Involves Self-Denial. 
 (no) With him alone can knowledge ever stay 
 Who for its sake his baser self doth slay. 
 
 (Berachoth 63^). 
 
 A Student. 
 (m) A Student 's like the seed the sod below, 
 
 Which, once it sprouts, will sprout and 
 heav'n wards grow. 
 
 ( Taanith 40). 
 
 Progress. 
 
 (112) Who fails his knowledge to increase 
 Is sure to see his knowledge cease. 
 
 (Aboth I. 13). 
 
 Perpetual Progress. 
 (113) From their task of self-improvement, 
 
 Rest is ne'er to Scholars given ; 
 In the next they'll strive for culture, 
 
 As in this world they have striven, 
 Yea, " from strength to strength advancing, 
 They'll be seen by God in heaven." 
 
 (Berachoth 640).
 
 54 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ste #*f'Ti&5 xbx jjps banDfi-SK (114) 
 
 
 
 : nrnw nj 
 
 ( 't POI?P) 
 
 ib nsnn (115) 
 inv 
 
 e jbp p nto (n6) 
 *?i 
 
 $ nj SnrnD (117) 
 
 ofpj niinn p (us)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 55 
 
 Learn even from the Young. 
 (i 14) Do not look at the cask, but at what it doth 
 
 hold! 
 
 For it doth very often befall 
 That a new cask is brimful of wine that is old, 
 While an old cask has no wine at all. 
 
 (Aboth IV. 27). 
 
 Learning from Disciples. 
 
 (115) From my teachers I have gained much lore ; 
 From my fellow-students greater store ; 
 From my lov'd disciples even more. 
 
 ( Taanith "ja). 
 
 Learning from Inferiors. 
 
 (116) The smaller stick can make the larger burn ; 
 From lesser scholars can the greater learn. 
 
 ( Taanith ^a). 
 
 Mutual Improvement. 
 
 (117) As iron sharpens iron, so we find 
 
 Two students sharpen one another's mind. 
 
 ( Taanith ^a). 
 
 Association. 
 
 (118) No proper education 
 Without association. 
 
 (Berachoth 63^).
 
 56 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 jnirr|! ^ p (119) 
 : mifi fdpi\3 poty# ^ xW 
 
 T ; - ; | .. ^ ... T ... 
 
 ('3 '1 PUf>) 
 
 rnin nil. ib rgp (120) 
 : xan oSivn *n iS 
 
 ('P '3 P13f>) 
 
 (122) 
 
 7"p 
 
 tt (124) 
 
 : y;^!i N^ T ii 
 
 ('3
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 57 
 
 True Freedom. 
 
 (119) Who labours in the Torah he, 
 And none but he, is ever free. 
 
 (Aboth VI. 2). 
 
 Religious Knowledge. 
 (120) Who wins the words of sacred lore 
 Wins happy life for evermore. 
 
 (Aboth II. 8). 
 
 Ownership of Knowledge. 
 (121) At first the Law belongs to God alone ; 
 
 When you've acquired its knowledge 'tis 
 
 your own. 
 
 {Aboda Zara iga). 
 
 Scholars. 
 
 (122) Scholars in the world increase 
 Sweetest harmony and peace. 
 
 (Berachoth 64(7). 
 
 " Free-masons" 
 (123) The Wise are called the " Builders" of the 
 
 age 
 For they in building up the world engage. 
 
 (Shabbalh 1140). 
 
 A City's Guardians. 
 (124) Who are the guardians of a State ? 
 
 The Teachers of the small and great. 
 
 (Jer. Chagiga 2).
 
 58 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 D*M ^a mn (125) 
 irnin 
 
 y-)7f>) 
 
 n Ti^N-na (127) 
 bi 
 stf l f j ?r*| 
 
 (128) 
 
 U"'p P3D)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 59 
 
 Children of tJie Poor. 
 (125) Upon the children of the poor 
 
 Bestow the greatest care ! 
 For they full oft of scholarship 
 Receive the greatest share. 
 
 (Nedarim 8ia). 
 
 Learn, Act and Teach. 
 (126) Act as you've learnt, and give to men your 
 
 thought, 
 
 That they may practise what by you they're 
 taught ! 
 
 (Aboth of R. Nathan XIII. 2). 
 
 A Sinner s Knowledge. 
 (127) A nut which is soiled on the surface 
 
 May hold a sweet kernel within : 
 So despise not the knowledge of scholars 
 Though stained be those scholars by sin. 
 
 (Chagiga \$ 
 
 Little Children, God's Messiahs. 
 (128) " Your hands on my Messiahs do not lay ! " 
 The little children of the schools are they. 
 " And to my Prophets do no ill ! " applies 
 To scholars, the disciples of the Wise. 
 
 (Shal'bath 119^).
 
 6O GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 : 3"' 3"3) 
 
 aiyp! p (129) 
 sty nipiyfi Ssri 
 
 V"> 
 
 (* 3": P3D) 
 
 (131)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 6l 
 
 Little Children, the World's Saviours. 
 (129) Upon the little children of the schools 
 
 Does all the world depend 
 Saved by their breath of innocence 
 From coming to an end. 
 
 (Shabbath 
 
 Schools. 
 
 (130) The place that is of schools devoid 
 Is surely doomed to be destroyed. 
 
 (Shabbath 119^). 
 
 Modern Prophets. 
 
 (131) When once the Temple was no more, 
 The gift, which Prophets had before, 
 Was when it left the Prophets' schools 
 Bestowed on children and on fools. 
 
 (Baba Bathra 126). 
 
 T/ie Educated and the Ignorant. 
 
 (132) True knowledge and culture who strive to 
 
 obtain, 
 The older they grow the more wisdom they 
 
 gain; 
 But those who to knowledge and culture are 
 
 foes, 
 As older each gets the more foolish he grows. 
 
 (Shabbath 1520).
 
 62 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 pn an* ite pat (133) 
 
 : TDH 
 
 ('1 '3 P13f>) 
 
 Tpn wn pNH ny DX (134) 
 
 DVT1 (135) 
 
 ! fc?K 
 (: 3"' 
 
 nin njj *in (136) 
 
 !D^V?6 
 
 ('3 '7 P13f>) 
 
 rii?N (137)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 63 
 
 Ignorance. 
 
 (133) Who sacred knowledge doth not win 
 Will never have true fear of sin, 
 For ignorance can never be 
 The home of genuine piety. 
 
 (Aboth II. 6). 
 
 A Pious Ignoramus. 
 (134) Move far away from his society 
 
 Whose ignorance is joined with piety ! 
 
 (Shabbath 630). 
 
 Ignorance and Impudence. 
 (135) To take the lead, at every chance, 
 All eager stands bold Ignorance. 
 
 (Megilla I2b). 
 
 Led and Leading. 
 (136) Better be by Lions led 
 
 Than of Foxes be the head. 
 
 (Aboth IV. 20). 
 
 A Little Learning. 
 (137) A single coin in an empty jar 
 
 Creates a clamorous noise that's heard afar. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 8$/>).
 
 64 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 -D^n (138) 
 
 (' 3"' 3"3) 
 
 'inpN (139) 
 
 (140) 
 
 p i^ win ijn? 
 
 : pnna i^x |pn. 
 
 (* 'P P013)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 65 
 
 ScJiolars. 
 
 (138) A wise man, with a scholar's education, 
 Excels a prophet with his inspiration. 
 
 (Baba Bath) a I2a). 
 
 Wlio is Wise? 
 
 (139) Who's truly wise beneath the sun ? 
 Who seeks to learn from every one. 
 
 (Aboth IV. i). 
 
 Wisdom. 
 
 (140) The gift of wisdom God doth ne'er impart 
 Unless a man hath wisdom in his heart. 
 
 (Berachoth $$a). 
 
 Spiritual Gifts. 
 (141) Lo, this is one of Nature's laws, 
 
 Observed the world all o'er : 
 A vessel wholly void will hold 
 
 What into it we pour ; 
 But when the vessel once is full. 
 
 It can receive no more. 
 Not so in gifts of soul or mind 
 
 Doth God for us ordain : 
 The more a man already hath, 
 
 The more he will contain, 
 And who possesses none at all 
 
 With him will none remain. 
 
 (Berachoth 400). 
 F
 
 66 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 (142) 
 
 rnin 
 
 rnnrn nM n"n 
 
 TI 
 
 rnrn
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 67 
 
 A Humble Mind. 
 (142) As waters from the heights descend, that they 
 
 A lower bed may find, 
 So, too, with him alone will knowledge stay 
 Who hath an humble mind. 
 
 ( Taanith ^a}. 
 
 Humility. 
 
 (143) Be as the threshold trod by every one, 
 And like the lowest peg all hang upon ! 
 
 (Derech Eretz Zuta I.). 
 
 Meekness. 
 (144) A man should ever learn to act 
 
 In concert with God's will. 
 For God disdained each mountain high, 
 
 And left each lofty hill, 
 But deemed the lowly Sinai 
 
 The fittest and the best 
 Whereon His glory should descend, 
 
 His holy presence rest. 
 So, too, the high and stately trees, 
 
 God set them all aside, 
 But caused within the humble bush 
 
 His presence to abide. 
 
 (Sotah 50) 
 F2
 
 68 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 C a'i p"3) 
 
 '7 
 
 73 7 
 
 xr\\ D (145) 
 !D3Thn jib 
 
 a Qn^-s (146) 
 
 ( '? PUIP) 
 
 (n^n-niDii 12 w Dix- 1 ??) (147) 
 : wa -13 
 
 (J '7 
 
 9'p (149)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 69 
 
 TJte Persecuted. 
 
 (145) One of the persecuted rather be 
 Than of the persecutors ! For we see 
 
 No birds more preyed upon than are the 
 
 doves, 
 Yet these upon the altar Heaven loves. 
 
 (Baba Kama 93). 
 
 Pride. 
 
 (146) God saith "With him that's filled with 
 
 pride 
 I cannot in the world abide." 
 
 (Sotak 5a). 
 
 Pride is Atheism. 
 
 (147) He's deemed, in whom abideth pride, 
 As though his God he has denied. 
 
 (Sot ah 
 
 Pride is Idolatry. 
 
 (148) A man, puffed up with arrogance and pride, 
 To one who worships idols is allied. 
 
 (Sotah 4/J). 
 
 Pride a Sign of Ignorance. 
 (149) Pride is a sign, wherever it may chance, 
 Of that worst poverty called Ignorance. 
 
 (Sanhedrin 240).
 
 /O GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 vrrwan *?3 (150) 
 Kin 
 
 (151) 
 
 n (152) 
 
 T T v J ' 
 
 (153)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 71 
 
 Arrogance. 
 (150) Whene'er a mortal man uplifts 
 
 With arrogance his heart 
 
 Scholar or Prophet all his gifts 
 
 Shall soon from him depart. 
 
 (Pesachim 666). 
 
 Aggrandizemen t. 
 (151) Aggrandizement do thou avoid ! 
 
 A name made great's a name destroyed. 
 
 (Aboth I. 13). 
 
 Ambition is Fatal. 
 (152) Ambition, as its fate, 
 
 Death and the Grave await ! 
 
 ( Yoma 
 
 Ambitious Men. 
 (153) Who on Greatness strives to seize, 
 
 Greatness 'scapes his greedy grasp ; 
 But whoe'er from Greatness flees, 
 Him doth Greatness seek to clasp. 
 
 (Entbin
 
 72 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 a trvnj IIPI (154) 
 
 ('a '3 
 
 jj53 sp cnx xni ^ (155) 
 NIT 
 
 nij ixJ!?' (157) 
 
 p '7MD)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 73 
 
 Politicians. 
 
 (154) Beware of all ambitious men in pow'r, 
 
 Who never but from selfish motives deign 
 To patronise a man ! Yea, at that hour, 
 When for themselves some boon they hope 
 
 to gain, 
 
 They seem to him the kindest friends indeed ; 
 But oh, they stand not by him in his need ! 
 
 (Aboth II. 3). 
 
 Gentleness. 
 
 (155) As yielding as the pliant reed 
 
 A man should ever be, 
 And not unbending and as hard 
 As is the cedar tree ! 
 
 ( Taanith 206). 
 
 Care. 
 
 (156) From placing Care within your heart refrain ! 
 For mighty are the victims Care has slain. 
 
 (Sanhedrin 
 
 To-morrow. 
 (157) About the morrow do not sorrow ! 
 
 For thee there may be no To-morrow. 
 Thou mayest find thou didst but pine 
 About a world that was not thine. 
 
 (Sanhedrin
 
 74 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 rn? 1 ? an ( J 5 8 ) 
 
 T : - : 
 
 (: 'is wo) 
 
 ' mn nnx (159) 
 
 -: - T T v J-'S 
 
 ? TBty 5inrx (160) 
 : te^TQ n^^ri 
 
 ('f- '7 Pi:*) 
 
 ^p ^a^S ST ^aa (161) 
 
 :|- : : --; T : - 
 
 : nab T| n*S Virn ^1^ 
 
 (: V' 'TWP) 
 
 (162) 
 
 (: 3"i p"3) _ 
 
 vyy jnian SJD (163)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 75 
 
 Anticipating Trouble. 
 (158) Sufficient for trouble and woe 
 
 The moment you suffer the blow. 
 
 (Bcrachoth $>\ 
 
 Past Troubles. 
 
 (159) Through our present troubles whilst they last 
 We forget the troubles that are past. 
 
 (Berachoth 130). 
 
 Contentment. 
 
 ( 1 60) When is man as rich as rich can be ? 
 When contented with his lot is he. 
 
 (Aboth IV. i). 
 
 Discontent. 
 
 (161) The Camel asked for horns one day, 
 The ears he had were taken away. 
 
 (Sanhedrin 106^). 
 
 Envy. 
 
 (162) Some sixty pains his teeth are sure to feel 
 Who, fasting, sees his neighbour at his meal. 
 
 (Baba Kama <)2l>). 
 
 The Envious. 
 
 (163) Whoe'er his greedy eyes doth set 
 
 On what to him belongeth not, 
 What he desires he shall not get, 
 And he shall lose what he hath got. 
 
 (Sot ah ga).
 
 76 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ? *b tt 'h *}$ DK (164) 
 
 ptS&rSy n^n Sa (165) 
 
 n?rn mnv 1 (166) 
 nr 
 
 "ID"]) 
 P"' )'3n'i?) 
 
 rro (167) 
 i nvia 1 ? i 
 
 ' 3"'p D'PPP)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 77 
 
 Self -Reliance. 
 
 (164) If not myself for me, who else of men ? 
 And if I am for me, what am I then ? 
 And if not in the living present, When ? 
 
 (Aboth I. 14). 
 
 Dependence. 
 (165) Who for another's table has to wait, 
 
 Dark is the world around him, sad his fate. 
 
 (Betsa 32^) 
 
 Sweet Independence. 
 (166) With leaf of olive in her mouth, the Dove 
 
 Returned, and thus she prayed to God 
 
 above : 
 
 " O universal Sovereign, God of love ! 
 O let me only have my food from Thee, 
 Though bitter as an olive it should be ! 
 And let me not depend on man for meat. 
 E'en though my food should be as honey 
 sweet ! " 
 
 (Erubin iS/>). 
 
 Be Independent. 
 
 (167) As other days the Sabbath spend, 
 And do not on man's help depend ! 
 
 (Ptsathim H2a).
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 J (i 68) 
 
 r^a njnjn na (169) 
 
 ri Dnx (171) 
 
 /77P) 
 
 * * * 
 
 ^n (172) 
 
 /T7P)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 79 
 
 Menial Work. 
 (168) O strip a carcase in the street, 
 
 And take your pay for labour sweet, 
 And say not, " I am Priest or King, 
 And 'neath my honour's such a thing " ! 
 
 (Baba fiathra \ ioa). 
 
 The Worth of Work. 
 (169) To live by Toil's of greater worth 
 Than idle piety on earth. 
 
 (Berachoth Sa). 
 
 Dignity of Labour. 
 
 (170) Esteemed is Labour in mine eyes ! 
 For Work the workman dignifies. 
 
 (Nedarim 49^). 
 
 Labour. 
 
 (171) The right to taste some food then Adam 
 
 earned, 
 When first the law of Labour he had learned. 
 
 (Aboth of R. Nathan XI. i). 
 * * * 
 
 (172) God caused not His presence on Israel to rest, 
 
 Till their Labour had shown of their merit 
 
 9 
 
 a test. 
 
 (Aboth of R. Nathan XI. I).
 
 80 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ftoy owi ntoDix ra (173) 
 
 (174) 
 
 an ^na Bnnjri i^^ n^a (175) 
 
 * niym vyy JIT 
 foiai" 
 
 5"p O'PPP) 
 
 f
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 8 1 
 
 Labour not to be Interrupted. 
 (173) No artisans at work may rise 
 To show respect unto the Wise. 
 
 (Kiddushin 330). 
 
 Skilled Artizans. 
 
 (174) Though lasting seven years, no famine can 
 Approach the door of a skilled Artizan. 
 
 (Sanhedrin 290). 
 
 Labour is a Blessing. 
 (175) When Adam heard the sentence passed by 
 
 God, 
 That curst would be the ground on which he 
 
 trod, 
 And Thorns would spring with Thistles from 
 
 the sod, 
 
 He straight began to weep, and with a sigh 
 " O universal Sovereign ! " he did cry, 
 " Are we to eat our food mine Ass and I 
 Out of one crib ? " But when God further 
 
 said, 
 " By your brow's sweat you're doomed to eat 
 
 your bread ! " 
 At once was Adam cheered and comforted. 
 
 (Pesachim 118*7). 
 G
 
 82 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 s (176) 
 : mbD' 1 ? in&Sfc 
 
 (: 'i jw) 
 
 ns; (177) 
 
 b nv IW ^l'l 
 
 : )i? 
 
 Q'n 
 
 : DIN
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 83 
 
 Teaching a Trade. 
 
 (176) For his son a trade who doth not find 
 Is but teaching him to rob mankind. 
 
 (Kiddushin 30^). 
 
 Education and Manual Labour. 
 (177) To sacred Study 'tis most meet and right 
 Some worldly Occupation to unite : 
 The labour, which the twain demand, is well 
 Designed all thoughts of sinning to dispel. 
 All learning and all culture of the mind 
 When not with healthy manual work 
 
 combined, 
 Will sooner, or will later, prove all vain, 
 
 And Sin will quickly follow in their train. 
 
 (Aboth II. 2). 
 
 Agriculture. 
 
 ( 1 78) The day will come when every hand 
 Will turn from trade to till the land. 
 
 (Yebamoth 63*1 ). 
 
 Land. 
 
 (179) A " Man " is not deserving of that name 
 If to some piece of Land he has no claim. 
 
 ( Yebamoth 630). 
 G 2
 
 84 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ! NjnK J3T flSp (i 80) 
 
 (' P" D'PPP) 
 
 (182) 
 
 155 
 
 X (183)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 85 
 
 Land and Marriage. 
 (180) To buy some Land run a mile ! 
 To take a Wife pause a while ! 
 
 ( Yebamoth 630). 
 
 A Livelihood. 
 (181) 'Tis as great a miraculous power 
 
 Which enables us food to obtain, 
 As the miracle wrought at that hour 
 When the Red Sea was riven in twain. 
 
 (Pesachim n8a). 
 
 Position. 
 
 (182) Position gives not man respect and grace, 
 But rather Man sheds lustre on his place. 
 
 (Taanith 210). 
 
 Perseverance. 
 
 (183) Do not believe the man that says 
 " I've toiled and nothing gained " ; 
 Nor him that says " I have not toiled, 
 
 And yet I have obtained " ; 
 But if a man hath said " I've won 
 
 The prize for which I've striven," 
 To him, indeed, and him alone, 
 Your credence may be given. 
 
 (Megilia 66).
 
 86 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 : rra nsm rni OK (184) 
 
 (* t"' 
 
 7'PP) 
 
 pN (185) 
 
 ^yN TasrriD (187) 
 x n-n
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 87 
 
 The Student and tJte Farm Labourer. 
 
 (184) A student says " I am a Man, 
 
 And a Man is my neighbour ; 
 I in the town, he in the field, 
 
 We daily toil and labour ; 
 Each rises to perform the task 
 
 Which Heaven did assign ; 
 And I encroach not on his work, 
 
 As he doth not on mine. 
 I claim no merit for, when more 
 
 Or less a man has striven, 
 It matters not, so long as he 
 
 Directs his heart to Heaven." 
 
 (Berachoth ija). 
 
 True Heroism. 
 
 (185) Who should be deemed as Heroes true? 
 Their evil passions who subdue. 
 
 (Aboth IV. I). 
 
 Self-Control. 
 
 (186) What shall man do that live he may ? 
 His selfish nature let him slay ! 
 
 (Tamiii 320). 
 
 Self-Indulgence. 
 
 (187) What shall man do that he may die ? 
 Live, and his passions gratify ! 
 
 (Tumid 320).
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 (i 88) 
 
 nft (189) 
 : D^Db 1 ? n^inj ^p 
 
 (' 0"3 O'PPP) 
 
 (190) 
 
 i? p ^ (191) 
 
 srynu 3 Dpn-j (192) 
 wn 1 '
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 89 
 
 Prudence. 
 (188) Let honour be to your physician paid 
 
 Before you come to need his healing aid. 
 
 (Jer. Sanhedrin 440). 
 
 Silence. 
 (189) If Silence is the best of rules 
 
 For wise men, how much more for Fools ! 
 
 (Pesachim 99<z). 
 
 Speech or Silence. 
 
 (190) Ah me, if I express my candid mind ! 
 Ah me, if I my tongue in silence bind ! 
 
 (Baba Bathra 89^). 
 
 Truth. 
 
 (191) Righteous be thy " Yea ! " 
 Righteous be thy " Nay ! " 
 
 (Baba Metsia 490). 
 
 Perjury. 
 (192) The world was all convulsed with dread 
 
 and pain 
 
 When God exclaimed, "Take not My Name 
 in vain ! " 
 
 (Shebuoth 390).
 
 90 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 b e* DN rnto# nray-S (193) 
 nhn n 
 
 *b 
 
 * J5 b^p (194) 
 ! ' 
 
 (* 7" 
 
 (195) 
 
 (196) 
 
 p onrp n^^ (197) 
 nnin TTD 
 
 (t"' '7
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 91 
 
 Perjury PunisJied. 
 (193) All other punishments God may delay 
 
 Until some ages shall have passed away, 
 The sin of Perjury's avenged straightway. 
 
 (Shebuoth 390). 
 
 Truth and Falsehood. 
 (194) No Falsehood long can stay ; 
 But Truth endures for aye. 
 
 (Shabbath 104). 
 
 Liars. 
 (195) This is the fine a Liar has to pay, 
 
 He's not believed when e'en the truth he'll say. 
 
 (Sanhedrin Sgl>). 
 
 Sincerity. 
 
 (196) 'Tis not your Knowledge God desires ; 
 It is your Jieart that He requires. 
 
 (Sanhedrin io6<J). 
 
 A Good Name. 
 
 (197) On mortal brows three crowns we see, 
 Of Knowledge, Priesthood, Majesty : 
 Yet fairer far, in worth and fame, 
 The diadem of a Good Name. 
 
 (Aboth IV. 17).
 
 92 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ' (198) 
 
 DV ny 
 
 ('P '3 P13f>) 
 
 -T -is 1 ? (199) 
 : rn^ri] n 
 
 ( '7 
 
 $ riuri (200) 
 
 a (201) 
 nvn Sri 
 
 -TK s^v- D (202) 
 : vsa 
 
 ( 'a DTP?)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 93 
 
 Self -A ssurance. 
 (198) Upon yourself do not rely 
 
 Until the day when you shall die ! 
 
 (Abotk II. 5). 
 
 " / Do Not Know." 
 
 (199) Let your tongue accustomed grow 
 E'er to say " I do not know ! " 
 Lest in error stating aught 
 You may stumble and be caught. 
 
 (Berachoth 
 
 Try Not Too Much. 
 
 (200) Grasp too much, and you will grasp in vain ! 
 Grasp a little, and you will obtain. 
 
 (Chagiga 170). 
 
 Be a Man! 
 
 (201) Where no men are in the van, 
 Strive yourself to be a man ! 
 
 (Aboth II. 6). 
 
 Obscene Words. 
 (202) Take heed that no unseemly word 
 
 Should ever from thy mouth be heard ! 
 
 (Pesachim
 
 94 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 CT ' 
 
 (203) 
 
 * yi p^p pn-p (204) 
 
 :D (205) 
 o:) n^ N 'shit* 
 
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 (206) 
 
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 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 95 
 
 Kindness to Animals. 
 (203) A man must never taste his bread 
 Until his beast he first has fed. 
 
 (Git tin 6za). 
 
 Evil NeigJibours. 
 (204) Remove from evil neighbours far away, 
 
 And never join the Wicked where they stay, 
 And cease not to expect the evil day ! 
 
 (Aboth I. 7). 
 
 Evil Associates. 
 (205) He who associates with those 
 
 That are on sinning bent, 
 Although he may eschew their deeds, 
 Shares in their punishment 
 
 (Aboth of R. Nathan XXX. 3). 
 
 Good Associates. 
 (206) Associate with those that keep 
 
 The precepts of the Lord, 
 And though not sharing in their deeds 
 You'll share in their reward. 
 
 (Aboth of R. Nathan XXX. 3).
 
 96 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
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 : & 
 
 ( 3"i "3) 
 
 rjiy K THT ^n D^n? x (208) 
 
 : to 
 3*i '3) 
 
 *bD (209) 
 
 n i^n JISN (210) 
 
 (21
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 97 
 
 Evil Companions. 
 (207) Together with the useless thorn 
 
 The useful plant is plucked and torn. 
 
 (Baba Kama g2a). 
 
 Birds of a FeatJier. 
 (208) 'Twas fit that the cuckoo the raven should 
 
 find, 
 'Twas fit for the raven belongs lo his kind. 
 
 (Baba Kama <)2b). 
 
 Like Dwells with Like. 
 
 (209) A worthless palm will choose the ground 
 And grow where fruitless trees abound. 
 
 (Raba Kama g2l>). 
 
 Hope. 
 (210) Though o'er your neck a sword hang sharp 
 
 and bare, 
 Of Mercy even then do not despair ! 
 
 (Berachoth lOa). 
 
 All for the Best. 
 
 (211) A man should say, howe'er distress'd, 
 " All God hath done is for the best ! " 
 
 (Berachoth 
 II
 
 98 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
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 213) 
 
 nn DTPO nnrrl (214) 
 
 a (215)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 99 
 
 Resignation. 
 
 (212) A man must thank the Lord, in pious mood, 
 For all the 111 as well as all the Good ! 
 
 (Berachoth 33^). 
 
 Pray to the Last. 
 
 (213) A man should pray that him may Mercy save 
 Till the last earth is thrown upon his grave. 
 
 (Berachoth Sa). 
 
 Praise to God. 
 
 (214) Who praiseth not the name of Heav'n 
 For any gift which God hath giv'n, 
 If by its use he benefits, 
 
 An act of Sacrilege commits. 
 
 (Berachoth 
 
 Abuse of Prayer. 
 
 (215) The meanest thief, about to steal, 
 For Heaven's help will oft appeal. 
 
 (Berachoth 
 II 2
 
 100 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 z iw |jw TIX arian (216) 
 
 T - : T ]; ) T ..-..- 
 
 ns i w-p-3 (217) 
 
 p^y D:^ xnio a*rw pxn ^n; (218) 
 
 (t p" 
 
 rnin is w D-IN- (219) 
 
 n ninn? 
 : iS 
 
 (* f"i P3D)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. IOI 
 
 How to Pray. 
 (216) He who with devotion prays 
 
 Downwards should direct his gaze, 
 And his heart to Heaven raise \ 
 
 ( Ycbamoth 105^). 
 
 Faith in Providence. 
 (217) Who hath within his basket bread, 
 
 And yet, all anxious, questions whence 
 To-morrow too he shall be fed, 
 Hath little Faith in Providence. 
 
 (Sotah 
 
 Fear God. 
 
 (218) Would that to fear your God you persevere 
 As men are wont their Fellow-men to fear ! 
 
 (Berachoth 286). 
 
 The Fear of Heaven. 
 (219) Who Knowledge hath, but not the Fear of 
 
 Heav'n, 
 
 Is like a treasurer to whom are giv'n 
 The keys that will unlock the inner stores, 
 Without the keys that ope the outer doors. 
 
 (Shabbath 313).
 
 102 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 PIPS? (220) 
 
 ('7 '3 Pl3f>) 
 
 i 
 
 (22l) 
 
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 ('7 '3 P13f>) 
 
 (222) 
 
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 SJD (223)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 Do God's Will. 
 (220) Perform His Will divine 
 As if that Will were thine, 
 That He may thine fulfil 
 As if it were His Will ! 
 
 103 
 
 Resign thy Will. 
 (221) Do thou thy Will resign 
 
 Before His Will divine, 
 That He may set aside 
 Another's Will for thine ! 
 
 (Abolh II. 4). 
 
 (Aboth II. 4). 
 
 How to Serve God. 
 (222) Be not as servants who obey 
 
 And serve their master but for pay, 
 But be like those that serve their lord 
 Without expecting a reward ! 
 
 (Aboth I. 3). 
 
 Good Actions and Wisdom. 
 (223) Whose wisdom is surpassed by Deeds, 
 
 His wisdom shall remain ; 
 Whose wisdom his good acts exceeds, 
 His wisdom is all vain. 
 
 (Aboth III. 15).
 
 IO4 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 rm& nbfyn (224) 
 : -in** to^-is i 1 ? roi 
 
 - 
 
 rnns? 
 
 I (225) 
 IDW D^ 1 ? vn* 
 
 0"' '3 
 
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 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 105 
 
 Actions, Good and Evil. 
 (224) Every good and noble action 
 
 Is for us an Advocate; 
 But by each of our transgressions 
 An Accuser we create. 
 
 (Aboth IV. 13). 
 
 Act in tJie Name of Heaven. 
 (225) Whatever acts you undertake, 
 
 Perform them all for Heaven's sake ! 
 
 (Aboth II. 17). 
 
 TJie Aim of Wisdom. 
 
 (226) Tis Wisdom's aim that, day and night, 
 We mend our ways and do the Right. 
 
 (Berachoth 17 a). 
 
 Action the End of Study. 
 (227) Study 's so far greater than good deeds, 
 Since to noble actions Study leads. 
 
 (Kiddushin
 
 IO6 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 p rmp p r ^n (228) 
 
 rniii 
 rr 
 rnny rrni-i 
 
 '7 J))3f) 
 
 ttis^n 
 
 plan) njn Dyn ran 
 
 (: n"i> 3"3) 
 
 ^: (230) 
 
 D*D
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. IO7 
 
 One Act t/te Reward of Another. 
 (228) To do a precept, e'en the slightest, run ! 
 
 And from transgression flee, the smallest 
 
 shun ! 
 
 For one good act doth to another lead, 
 And one ill-deed draws in its train ill-deed. 
 Good action by good action in succession 
 Is recompensed, transgression by trans- 
 gression. 
 
 (Aboth IV. 2). 
 
 Actions, their Profit and Loss. 
 (229) They are the "Rulers" brave and true 
 Their evil passions who subdue ; 
 They are the " Calculators " great 
 All Life's accounts who calculate, 
 Comparing all the loss and gain 
 Which every Action doth contain. 
 Thus act, and you'll " established " be 
 Through life and all Eternity ! 
 
 (Baba Bathra 78^)- 
 
 Preaching and Practice. 
 
 (230; Some preach well and act right, gladly ; 
 Some act right, though preaching badly ; 
 You're exacting in your preaching, 
 But not acting as you're teaching. 
 
 (Yebamoth 636).
 
 IO8 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 * Tprnp; T'wfc (231) 
 iTiptp! 
 
 ('f 'P PV71?) 
 
 rn^rp (232) 
 wyjbp n|m? wn ip-i? 
 
 srnn 
 
 - 
 
 5 (233) 
 
 : wiyrrp 
 
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 : rnifc^ nib^yS n*$ 
 
 "3 'P 
 
 njn oi^i nn njvD nnyn-s (235) 
 : $n D^yS vjs 1 ? n'in i 
 
 (: 'a
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. IOQ 
 
 The Best Testimonials. 
 (231) Thine Acts may thee commend ; 
 Thine Acts may men offend. 
 
 (Edyoth V. 7). 
 
 Intentions. 
 
 (232) A good intent God deems a good deed done; 
 An ill intent is not an act begun. 
 
 (Kiddushin 400). 
 
 Inducing Others to do Good. 
 
 (233) Who makes another do a noble deed, 
 
 His action doth his neighbour's act exceed. 
 
 (Baba Bathra 90). 
 
 Leading Men to Good or Evil. 
 
 (234) Who draws the multitude 
 To Virtue and to Good 
 
 Through him shall none by sinful acts offend ; 
 
 But he who tries to win 
 
 The multitude to Sin 
 
 Shall never have the povv'r the wrong to mend. 
 
 (Aboth V. 21). 
 
 A Good Deed. 
 
 (235) A noble action, done on earth, 
 
 The Doer shall precede, 
 And to the future world of bliss 
 
 It shall the Doer lead. 
 
 (Sotah $).
 
 1 10 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ('13 'i 
 
 ny#a (236) 
 
 fc] WDD 
 
 nnto 
 
 nnin 
 
 n^ on n^ra DH^V Wfy D^V? ( 2 37) 
 
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 -13^ D"JK onai n^^2 (239)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. I I I 
 
 Good Deeds and Knowledge. 
 (236) A man departing from this world 
 
 Departeth not alone ; 
 Not gold and silver follow him, 
 
 Nor pearls, nor precious stone ; 
 Good deeds and knowledge go with him 
 
 For ever all his own. 
 
 (Aboth VI. 9). 
 
 Individual Merit. 
 (237) The clouds in the sky will their rain-drops 
 
 oft yield 
 
 For the sake of one man and one grass and 
 one field. 
 
 (Jer. Taanith 4). 
 
 Honour to WJiom it is Due. 
 (238) Had I the sherd not lifted from the ground, 
 Would you the precious pearl beneath have 
 found ? 
 
 ( Yebamsth 92^). 
 
 Character. 
 
 (239) By these three things a man we gauge, 
 His Cup, his Purse, and by his Rage. 
 
 (Eriibin f>$
 
 112 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 n ^3 ^p"] KDK (240) 
 
 t tfk ilp KDK1 ! 
 
 '7MP) 
 
 (241) 
 
 : iw p* 
 (: 3"' wan) 
 
 sx (242) 
 
 nnist pnr na^ nip^ (243) 
 
 i3 D^ri (244) 
 : nj 
 
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 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 113 
 
 A Good Man is Good Everywliere. 
 (240) A Myrtle, which among the thorns doth grow, 
 Is still a Myrtle, and all call it so. 
 
 (Sanhcdrin 446). 
 
 The Pillar of ilie World. 
 
 (241) Upon one pillar all the world doth rest, 
 Upon a " Righteous Man," for ever blest. 
 
 (Chagiga ia/>). 
 
 One Good Man saves tlte World. 
 (242) If e'en but one Good Man remains, 
 God for his sake the world sustains. 
 
 ( Yoma 38^). 
 
 The Worth of a Noble Soul. 
 (243) The soul of one Good Man is worth 
 As much as all that is on earth. 
 
 (Sanhcdrin 103^). 
 
 A God-fearing Man. 
 (244) Accomplished was Creation's plan 
 Because of one God-fearing man. 
 
 (Berachoth db). 
 
 I
 
 114 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 n hyx? (245) 
 
 # * 
 
 ^3 (246) 
 
 (247) 
 
 D % 7^"f| (248) 
 
 ^ny (249)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 11$ 
 
 A God-fearing Man. 
 (245) Even one God-fearing Soul 
 
 In the world is worth the Whole. 
 
 (Berachoth 6). 
 * -X- * 
 
 (246) God intended all Creation 
 
 For a good man's ministration. 
 
 (Berachoth 6f>). 
 
 Good Men Live for Ever. 
 (247) All righteous men are truly said 
 
 To be alive e'en when they're dead. 
 
 (Berachoth l8a). 
 
 The Deeds of tJie Rigliteous. 
 (248) The Deeds of the Righteous, done nobly 
 
 and well, 
 
 The formation of earth and of heaven excel. 
 
 (Kethuboth 5<z). 
 
 TJie Name of the Righteous. 
 
 (249) The Righteous shall enjoy the highest fame 
 They shall be called by Heaven's Holy 
 Name. 
 
 (Baba Bathra 75^). 
 12
 
 Il6 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 tfin ^"fi bnnpn (250) 
 
 nS .'h a^ (251) 
 
 sin \ ysrj nn ny 
 
 'r> 
 
 (252) 
 inv 
 
 J*N (253) 
 Ji"-OT jn in Dnnrn 
 
 v (254) 
 
 ( V'o Pi 1
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 117 
 
 God and the Righteous. 
 (250) With the righteous, God deals with severity 
 
 rare, 
 Particular e'en to the breadth of a hair. 
 
 (Yebamo:h 
 
 TJie Name of " Fool." 
 
 (251) I'd rather have throughout my days 
 
 The name of " Fool " unto me given, 
 Than walk one hour in evil ways 
 Before the seeing eye of Heaven. 
 
 (Edyoth V. 6). 
 
 TJie Greatness of Good Men. 
 
 (252) Good men are greater after death 
 Than when sustained by living breath. 
 
 (Chulin Jb). 
 
 Memorial Statues. 
 
 (253) A Good Man no memorial statue needs, 
 He's best remembered by his words and 
 
 deeds. 
 
 (Shekalim 7). 
 
 Death of a Good Man. 
 
 (254) A Good Man lost unto his age is lost ; 
 If one has lost a pearl of precious cost, 
 The pearl remains a pearl, where'er it be, 
 But oh ! the owner's loss none feels but he. 
 
 (Megilla i$a).
 
 Il8 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ( 4 7"p 
 
 : enn 
 
 'lK (255) 
 
 (256) 
 
 i ^" 
 rh w] 
 
 3"3) 
 
 nsi o*n^a DS (257) 
 f? ^irx ^rn 
 nWh ron n
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. l\g 
 
 Death of a Good Man. 
 
 (255) The Pious on earth and the Angels of heaven 
 
 Did their hands on the Holy Ark lay ; 
 Prevailed have the Angels o'er those that had 
 
 striven, 
 And the Ark hath been taken away. 
 
 (Kethnboth 1040). 
 
 Death of Abraham. 
 
 (256) The day when Abraham our Father died, 
 The great men of the age all rose and cried : 
 " Alas, the world has lost its guide and head! 
 Woe to the ship whose Pilot now is dead ! " 
 
 (Baba Bathra gia). 
 
 Elegy on a Great Man. 
 
 (257) If among the mighty cedars 
 
 Tongues of flame and fire did fall, 
 What shall do the tender hyssops 
 
 That are growing on the wall ? 
 If a net or if an angle 
 
 Did Leviathan draw out, 
 \Vhat shall do the tiny fishes 
 
 Gliding in the ponds about ? 
 If into the sweeping river 
 
 There did fall a fishing hook, 
 What shall do the tranquil waters 
 
 Of the lakelet or the brook ? 
 
 (Moed Katan 2$l>).
 
 120 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 nr 
 
 I3K (258) 
 
 (' P"' W)3) 
 
 TO (259) 
 
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 : n^^n? Qnrin w 
 
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 px nto ya^N (261) 
 
 3 (262)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 121 
 
 Bad Men. 
 (258) E'en while they live bad men are said 
 
 To be, in sooth, already dead. 
 
 (Berachoth i8a). 
 
 Promises. 
 
 ( 2 59) Good people, though promising little before, 
 Do all that they promise and even much more; 
 But bad men the words of their promise 
 
 recall, 
 Though promising much they do nothing at 
 
 all. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 873). 
 
 The Wicked. 
 
 (260) The wicked even at Hell's gate 
 Return not from their sinful state. 
 
 (Erubin 19^). 
 
 Who shall not see God. 
 (261) God into his Holy Presence 
 
 These four classes ne'er admits, 
 Those comprising Scoffers, Liars, 
 Slanderers and Hypocrites. 
 
 (Sanhednn lo$a). 
 
 Evil Passions. 
 
 (262) The man that 's greater than his brother 
 Has greater passions than the other. 
 
 (Succah
 
 122 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
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 v (264) 
 * in^riS ^j53 
 win n 
 
 *raa-7B> wrr? nan npnj-o jnn nr (265) 
 : nSjyn ninnyS nan spsy\ 
 
 (* 3"^ PDIp) 
 
 (266).
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 12$ 
 
 God and Man's Passions. 
 (263) Ah me, my heavenly Sire ! 
 Ah me, my sinful Desire ! 
 
 (Berachoth 6ia). 
 
 Saved by Divine Grace. 
 
 (264) Man's evil Passions gather strength each day; 
 He is the victim whom they seek to slay ; 
 Without God's help he would become their 
 prey. 
 
 (Succah 52^). 
 
 Man's Passions Grow Stronger. 
 (265) At first man's Passion's like a cobweb's 
 
 thread, 
 At last becomes like thickest rope instead. 
 
 (Succah 520). 
 
 The Progress of our Passions. 
 (266) First our Passions are like " Travelers " 
 
 Who but briefly with us stay ; 
 Then like " Guests " upon a visit, 
 Dwelling with us many a day ; 
 And at last become our " Masters," 
 Keeping us beneath their sway. 
 
 (Succa/t 520).
 
 124 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ? D-SE> isu} &*& "IT hx WN (267) 
 : pn w ni -ifciK in 
 
 ^ T T v % v: 
 
 a ^s (268) 
 
 T T - T X ' 
 
 i niin iS 
 
 n'lns D*ppiy ori 
 
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 i 11 (269) 
 
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 (: 'a P1313 'on 1 ) 
 
 n&ni i^tn DKW (271)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 125 
 
 T/te Idols witliin a Man. 
 
 (267) What Idols hath man's heart within ? 
 His Passions tempting him to sin. 
 
 (Shabbath 105^). 
 
 The Torah and tJie Passions. 
 
 (268) 'Twas I, my children, did create your Passion ; 
 An Antidote the Torah I did fashion ; 
 And, labouring in the Torah every hour, 
 You shall not fall into your Tempter's power. 
 
 (Kiddushin 3O/>). 
 
 Satan. 
 
 (269) Satan on earth leads men astray, 
 
 And then accuses them in heaven, 
 And when to him permission 's given, 
 He takes their mortal life away. 
 
 (Baba Bathra i6a). 
 
 The Agents of Sin. 
 
 (270) The human Eye and Heart within 
 Are two Commissioners of Sin. 
 
 (Jer. Berachoth 3*). 
 
 Fear of Sin. 
 
 (271) When Fear of Sin man's wisdom doth precede, 
 
 His wisdom shall endure ; 
 But when his wisdom is the first to lead, 
 
 His wisdom is not sure. 
 
 , (Aboth III. n).
 
 126 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 n (272) 
 -' rnai? 'T 1 ? **a nriK }w 
 
 pi \fh n^ny nnx 
 
 ] | T T - 
 
 riin (273) 
 
 (274) 
 
 r (275) 
 run ia
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 127 
 
 How to Escape Sin. 
 (272) Upon three things reflect within, 
 And you'll not fall a prey to Sin ! 
 Think whence you come, and whither go, 
 And in Whose presence you must show 
 
 A true account of Life below ! 
 
 (Aboth III. i ). 
 
 (273) O ponder well upon three things alway, 
 
 And then you shall not fall to Sin a prey ! 
 
 Reflect ! above you there's an Eye to look, 
 And there's an Ear that heareth all you say, 
 And all your acts are written in a Book ! 
 
 (Aboth n. i). 
 
 Evil Thoughts. 
 
 (274) Man's evil thoughts within 
 Are worse than actual sin. 
 
 ( Yoma 2ga). 
 
 Sin is Insanity. 
 
 (275) No man commits a sin, you'll find, 
 If madness enters not his mind. 
 
 (Sotah 30).
 
 128 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 nD& rnrig (276) 
 : nnx-^ teh 
 
 13"i for) 
 
 D-JN PK (277) 
 
 (278) 
 
 ri^ jv3 (279) 
 
 jva p (280) 
 
 rnas? D-TN -iny^ p;i (281)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 129 
 
 The Power of Sin. 
 
 (276) The baneful power of Sin 
 
 Benumbs the heart within. 
 
 ( Yoma 39**). 
 
 Man Sins for Himself. 
 
 (277) No man will e'er a sin commit 
 Unless he gains some benefit. 
 
 (Shebuoth 42/>). 
 
 Secret Sins. 
 
 (278) The secret sinner shall be put to shame, 
 For God will openly his sin proclaim. 
 
 (Sotah 30). 
 
 Sin and Sinners. 
 
 (279) Let but the reign of Sin be o'er, 
 
 And those who sin would sin no more ! 
 
 (Berachoth lew). 
 
 Death and Suffering. 
 
 (280) There are no pangs except what Sin will 
 
 bring, 
 Without it there's no Death nor Suffering. 
 
 (ShaWath 550). 
 
 Force of Habit. 
 
 (281) Who twice commits a wrong 
 
 Esteems it right ere long. 
 
 (Moed A'<i/an 27/<). 
 K
 
 .I3O GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 NDH i&j ETRT^ vnfo# :n ixw p;3 (282) 
 
 iS ^.^ Dl^'S? (283) 
 
 (285) 
 : ni^ri ni^S in 
 
 (286)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 131 
 
 Habit Proof against Sin. 
 
 (282) When once the greater part of life is o'er, 
 He will not sin who hath not sinned before. 
 
 ( Yoma 38/0. 
 
 SJiamelessness. 
 (283) Who feels no sense of shame at all, 
 
 Through sin shall stumble and shall fall. 
 
 (Taanitk ^l>). 
 
 Self-Reverence. 
 (284) That man will not so quickly sin 
 
 Who feels a sense of shame within. 
 
 (Nedarint 2O). 
 
 Sinning and Repenting. 
 (285) Who thinks, as often as he strays, 
 Of turning from his evil ways, 
 Will go on sinning to the end, 
 Without the pow'r his ways to mend. 
 
 ( Yoma 
 
 Repent ^u/tile Strong. 
 
 (286) How happy is that man, and ah, how blest, 
 \Vho mends his ways while still of strength 
 possess'd ! 
 
 (Aboda Zara 
 K 2
 
 132 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
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 to (288) 
 
 (: 7"i po-73) : 
 
 tyitfn (289) 
 
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 DI T X j 1 ?^ nray (291) 
 
 n DV
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 133 
 
 Repent in Time. 
 
 (287) Repent and turn to God on high 
 The day before you're doomed to die ! 
 
 (Abolh II, 15). 
 
 TJie Penitent. 
 
 (288) Where stays the true repentant band, 
 The wholly Righteous cannot stand. 
 
 (Berachoth 34^). 
 
 A Shield against Punishment. 
 
 (289) Who do good deeds and of ill deeds repent, 
 Receive a shield to ward off punishment. 
 
 (Aboth IV. 13). 
 
 No Atonement without Reparation. 
 
 (290) He who restores the robb'd or stolen things 
 Before his trespass-sacrifice he brings, 
 
 Emerges from his guilty sphere ; 
 \Vho brings a sacrifice for expiation 
 Before he makes the needful restoration 
 
 He cannot from his sin be clear ! 
 
 (Baba Kama new). 
 
 Day of Atonement. 
 
 (291) The sins which erring man commits 'gainst 
 
 Heaven 
 
 Are on the Day of Pardon all forgiven ; 
 But he's not pardoned who has wronged another 
 Until.he fully reconciles his brother. 
 
 ( Yoma 85/0.
 
 134 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ti nrtK rw ns; (292) 
 n-n 
 
 nn nnp- nn^ 
 J nn 
 
 x- a?! nn^ nnib nnib (293) 
 
 inv 
 
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 DH*n
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 135 
 
 Repentance and Good Deeds. 
 
 (292) If spent in penitence and in good deeds, 
 One hour on earth all life in heav'n exceeds ; 
 Though sweeter is one hour of Jieavnly bliss 
 Than all this life of earthly happiness. 
 
 (Abotk IV. 22). 
 
 Contrition. 
 
 (293) One contrition in man's heart 's of more avail 
 Than with many stripes his body to assail. 
 
 (Bcrachoth Ja). 
 
 The Innocent and tlie Penitent. 
 
 (294) The Pious say, 
 
 O happy we that, free from blame, 
 
 By youthful ways 
 Have never left remorse and shame 
 
 For later days ! 
 The Penitent say, 
 
 O happy we that, older grown, 
 
 By mended ways 
 Have been enabled to atone 
 
 For early days ! 
 All exclaim, 
 
 O happy he that's innocent, 
 
 And hath no sins o'er which to grieve ! 
 But he that sinned let him repent, 
 And gracious pardon he'll receive ! 
 
 (Succah 53<z).
 
 136 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 nw n;5 Sin (295) 
 
 rren tnB> ^*ra (296) 
 : ini p'Siz: 
 
 (: ' POP) 
 
 * * * 
 
 X3 (297) 
 
 nnis 
 
 ^ Sin (298) 
 * njinj 
 * jnj DSiyn 
 an 
 
 t< n^n (299) 
 iS nynii nnn* nan
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 137 
 
 Man is a Free Agent. 
 
 (295) All things are swayed by God upon His 
 
 throne ; 
 The Fear of Heav'n depends on man alone. 
 
 (Berachotk 33^). 
 
 Free-will. 
 
 (296) A man along that road is led 
 Which he himself desires to tread. 
 
 (Maccoth io). 
 * * * 
 
 (297) To be unclean whoe'er desires 
 
 Finds open wide the door ; 
 And to be pure whoe'er aspires 
 
 Is aided even more. 
 
 ( Yoma 38/0. 
 
 Omniscience and Free-will. 
 
 (298) Yea, everything's foreseen by Heaven, 
 And yet to man free will is given ! 
 
 The world is judged, grace never failing, 
 According to the deeds prevailing. 
 
 (Aboth III. 19). 
 
 TJie Divine Image. 
 
 (299) Belov'd is man, for he hath been alone 
 
 Form'd in the image of his God above ! 
 And this prerogative has been made known 
 To him by special grace of heav'nly love. 
 
 (Aboth III. 18).
 
 138 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 tf (300) 
 
 f>"p P013) 
 
 pK (301) 
 
 (302) 
 
 (303) 
 
 -n?5 n^axn " nna " n^ (304) 
 
 w^n^ xnvjy nx; (305)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 139 
 
 Responsib ility. 
 
 (300) Though last in all Creation's plan, 
 The first for punishment came man. 
 
 (Berachoth 6ia). 
 
 Sufferers not Responsible. 
 
 (301) Responsibility should never rest 
 
 On him that is by pain or grief oppress'd. 
 
 (Baba Bathra l6). 
 
 Suffering. 
 
 (302) As present pains, 
 
 So future gains ! 
 
 (Aboth V. 26). 
 
 Rejoicing in Suffering. 
 
 (303) He in the world salvation brings 
 Who takes with joy his sufferings. 
 
 (Taaiiitk Sa). 
 
 Suffering Cleanses Sin. 
 
 (304) As by a law of God all meat 
 
 By salt is rendered pure and sweet, 
 So by a law of the great King 
 All sins are cleansed by Suffering. 
 
 (Berachoth 5). 
 
 Suffering t/ie Jews Ornament. 
 
 (305) For Jews Affliction 's fit and Need 
 As a red thong for a white steed. 
 
 ( Chagiga 9^).
 
 I4O GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 fa srnpn -iin (306) 
 -SNn&r'p \ph rvDto 
 
 4 "J5 DVn (308) 
 
 !pnn 
 
 D '3 ni3f>) 
 
 -p $] pJiin p^HV ^V^l^ (39) 
 
 |a (310)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 141 
 
 Test of Israel's Character. 
 
 (306) When God was seeking what should be the test 
 Of all the virtues Israel possess'd, 
 
 He found that dire affliction was the best. 
 
 (Chagiga gl>). 
 
 Burdens. 
 
 (307) According to the camel's strength and size 
 Great is the burden that upon him lies. 
 
 (Sofa A 13^). 
 
 Brevity of Life. 
 
 (308) Short, alas, how short 's the day ! 
 
 Whilst the labour 's much and great ! 
 Yet the workmen idle stay, 
 Though the guerdon's ample pay, 
 
 And the Master will not wait ! 
 
 (Aboth II. 20). 
 
 Courage. 
 
 (309) For these four things all men require 
 A Hero's courage and his fire, 
 
 To seek true Knowledge, do the Right, 
 To pray to God, and fight Life's fight. 
 
 (Berachoth 32/>). 
 
 The Wheel of Fortune. 
 
 (310) In the world a wheel is found 
 Ever turning round and round ! 
 
 (Shabbath
 
 142 - GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 "infn^S nfcin n-n DStyn (311) 
 
 b ^ (312) 
 
 3 riW DnxS iS nti (313) 
 
 D (314) 
 : ntin 1 ^ jn^? n^ir 
 
 (J 'P PC"53) 
 
 mrr D^iyn ^^^ vSy ipon JD (315) 
 
 * 
 nn
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 143 
 
 Life and Eternity. 
 
 (311) To the world of future bliss, 
 Like a vestibule is this ; 
 
 In the vestibule prepare, 
 
 Enter then the Palace fair ! 
 
 (Aboth IV. 21). 
 
 Labour Here, Reward Hereafter. 
 
 (312) If on Friday man doth not prepare, 
 What shall serve him for his Sabbath fare ? 
 
 (Aboda Zara 30). 
 
 Is Life Worth Living ? 
 
 (313) 'Twere better man had had no birth, 
 And ne'er had come to live on earth ; 
 But since he lives, let him be wise, 
 And all his actions scrutinize. 
 
 (Erubin i3/>). 
 
 Two Banquets. 
 
 (314) 'Tis not to all the privilege is given 
 
 To have one banquet here and one in heaven. 
 
 (Bcrachoth 5/>). 
 
 Pleasures. 
 
 (315) Life's earthly pleasures who pursues, 
 The joys of heaven he shall lose ; 
 Who earthly pleasures doth resign, 
 Shall gain eternal bliss divine. 
 
 (Aboth of R. Nathan XXV1I1. 5).
 
 144 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 S on pjiD (316) 
 npna tpDi : 
 Di DH nmpS barn 
 
 nn nnj 
 
 nib 
 
 " ! 
 
 pHV] pnvSj (317) 
 
 ( 1"> 
 
 njip ^:. (318) 
 
 i ni
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 145 
 
 Tfie Aim of Life. 
 (316) For cattle waits the slayer's knife ; 
 
 Man's doomed to die, however loth ; 
 One common goal awaits them both 
 
 They needs must quit the stage of life ! 
 
 But happy is that man and blest 
 
 Whose toil makes knowledge all his own, 
 Who doeth nought but that alone 
 
 Which pleaseth his Creator best ; 
 
 Who lives enjoying a good name, 
 Which is far better than good oil, 
 And, as the fruits of his life's toil, 
 
 Behind him leaves immortal fame ! 
 
 (Be rat hot h \"ja}. 
 
 Heaven. 
 
 (317) A special mansion will in heaven 
 To every pious man be given. 
 
 (Shabbath I5 
 
 Eternal Happiness. 
 (318) One man may win, in one brief hour, 
 
 His world of future bliss; 
 Another after struggling hard 
 For many years in this. 
 
 (Aboda Zara l&z).
 
 146 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 $ runa^ to? iS njfi (319) 
 nnK SIK mntsa 
 
 T - | - T T : T : 
 
 rb D:OJ on (320) 
 
 nn (321) 
 
 : - 
 
 ixp y^n^ jj5 (322) 
 : is D^pto Sin 
 
 (* 6"r 0173) 
 
 Snn (323)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 147 
 
 Purity of t/te Soul. 
 
 (319) Restore thy Spirit pure to Heaven, 
 As pure as when to thee 'twas given ! 
 
 (Shabbath 152/0. 
 
 Birth and Death. 
 (320) Man enters naked at his birth, 
 
 And naked leaves this life on earth ; 
 Would that in sin he were the same 
 When he departs as when he came ! 
 
 ( Yoma 86/0. 
 
 Place of Death. 
 (321) A man's own feet are pledged to fly 
 
 And bring him where he's doomed to die. 
 
 (Succah 53/0. 
 
 Helplessness at Death. 
 (322) When a man's end is drawing near, 
 Then over him all domineer. 
 
 Loss by Death. 
 (323) Alas, that lost to us are men 
 
 Whom we can never find again ! 
 
 (Sanhedrin 1 1 la). 
 L2
 
 148 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 3 (324) 
 
 (: ?"3 P"IP) 
 
 y niytn nnisn-| (325) 
 wa rvaa tn^ii psio Kin 
 
 T; |T-:|T: 
 
 'r>S (326) 
 : *hy# *h nij;^ n^ 
 
 ( u"; r"3) 
 
 ^3 (327) 
 ^hr\] 
 
 s (328)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 149 
 
 Mourning. 
 
 (324) O weep for us who live to mourn, 
 
 And not for him whom we have lost ! 
 For lie has to his rest been borne, 
 We in a sea of grief are toss'd. 
 
 ( Moed Katan 25*). 
 
 Tears over a Pious Man. 
 
 (325) All the tear-drops that are shed 
 When a pious man is dead, 
 One by one are counted o'er, 
 Treasured up in heaven's store. 
 
 (Shabbath 105*). 
 
 Efficacy of Tears. 
 
 (326) Though heaven's gates be closed to pray'r, 
 To tears they stand wide open e'er. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 591:). 
 
 Men are as Grass. 
 
 (327) As the herbs of the field are we mortals each 
 
 day, 
 
 For some are all blooming, some fading 
 away ! 
 
 (Erttlriit 540)- 
 
 Old Age. 
 (328) When we were young, we deemed ourselves 
 
 men ; 
 But now, when old, we are schoolboys again. 
 
 (Baba Kama <)2/>).
 
 150 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 b nn pip (329) 
 
 * * * 
 
 ftp3! (330) 
 
 Dnn^ (331; 
 ny 1 ? vjs 
 
 (* 3"^ P3D) 
 
 J33 (332) 
 
 ^n-n^ pi wn ^5 ^nf?n p (333) 
 : &3 
 
 T 
 
 ('f> ?") 'DO')
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 151 
 
 Youth and Old Age. 
 (329) To use two feet instead of three 
 
 Is better far for men ; 
 Alas for youth ! when once it goes 
 It never comes again ! 
 
 (Shabbath 1520). 
 
 (330) Youth is a wreath of roses, white and red ; 
 Old age a crown of thorns upon the head. 
 
 (Shabbath 1520). 
 
 Remorse of tJie Old. 
 
 (33 The acts men do, when young and gay, 
 Will cloud their face when old and grey. 
 
 (Shabbath 1520). 
 
 Measure for Measure. 
 (332) With the measure with which man metes to 
 
 men 
 It will be measured to him again. 
 
 (Sotah U}. 
 
 Man is Judged. 
 
 (333) As he is now, man's judged on high, 
 Not as he may be by-and-by. 
 
 (Jer. Rosh Hashana \ ).
 
 152 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 Da $nfe*-rN i &fln iia BniTt (334) 
 
 ('f- ?") 'on-) 
 
 nx'n^i tfin na srii 
 
 v? n^n nrna nn^n naiD n3"io (335) 
 T nnix 
 
 (336)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 153 
 
 Israel and the Heat/tens. 
 (334) God judges Israel by day, 
 
 What time His precepts they obey ; 
 By night the Heathens judges He, 
 What time from sinning they are free. 
 
 (Jer. Rosh Hashana i). 
 
 The Knowledge of God. 
 (335) A precious pearl wore Abraham 
 
 Around his neck revealed, 
 And when the sick had gazed on it 
 
 Each one at once was healed ; 
 And when at length the Patriarch 
 
 From life had passed away, 
 God took and hanged that precious pearl 
 Upon the orb of day. 
 
 (Baba Rathra \(>b). 
 
 Special Providence. 
 
 '336) Three Keys are in the hands of Heaven, 
 Which never are to agents given : 
 God makes the rain to fall on earth ; 
 He guards the woman giving birth , 
 And He will cause, when time is sped, 
 The resurrection of the Dead. 
 
 (Sanhedrin
 
 154 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 N p$ (337) 
 rna D{ * 
 
 (338) 
 
 rojp nn?^f^ n^v^ ^^] D"IN nirr oij;? (339) 
 
 jDn p^ (340)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 155 
 
 Divine Providence. 
 
 (337) Below not e'en a finger's maimed 
 Unless above 'tis so proclaimed. 
 
 (Chtilin ^b). 
 
 God's Mercy. 
 (338) Though this the moment of God's anger 
 
 yet 
 His tender mercy He doth not forget. 
 
 (Pesachim 87*). 
 
 New Towns. 
 (339) Strive thou to dwell within a Town that's 
 
 new ! 
 
 For since 'tis young, its sins will be but 
 few. 
 
 (Shabbath \ob). 
 
 Ttie Fall of tlie Wicked. 
 (340) The Holy One, who loveth all, 
 Rejoiceth not when sinners fall. 
 
 (Megilla \ob).
 
 156 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 rrw ^b rwn ^xft i#3 (341) 
 
 fcrn ( TT 
 
 rni:n?2 ^ar? (342) 
 
 (343) 
 : ninnis niniw : 
 
 (: i"p DTP?) 
 
 M J (344)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 157 
 
 TJie Drowning of the Egyptians. 
 (341) The night when Egypt's host was doomed 
 
 to expire, 
 
 The angels ministering in Heaven's choir 
 Prepared to sing their wonted hymns of 
 
 praise, 
 When lo ! the Holy One their chanting 
 
 stays : 
 
 " There are my creatures sinking in the deep ; 
 This is no time to sing, but time to weep." 
 
 (Megilla io5). 
 
 Idolatry. 
 (342) \Vhodothidolatryeschew 
 
 Is worthy of the name of " Jew." 
 
 (Megilla 130). 
 
 The Tables of Stone. 
 (343) The Tables were shattered, 
 The Letters were scattered. 
 
 (Pesaehim fyl>). 
 
 Spirits. 
 
 (344) None could stand the sprites that fill the air, 
 Could the human eye but see them there. 
 
 (Berachoth 6a).
 
 158 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 -in^ 13 (345) 
 : r 
 
 ( j"3 pro) 
 
 tfS K KpT (346) 
 
 -*|M (347) 
 
 3 (348) 
 
 (349)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 159 
 
 Economy. 
 (345) The lamp that imparteth to one man its 
 
 light 
 
 Can impart it to many and shine just as 
 bright. 
 
 (Shabbath \22a). 
 
 False Economy. 
 
 (346) You lack the cash to buy the needed fare, 
 Yet cash for what is needless you can spare. 
 
 (Chagiga 5). 
 
 Wealth. 
 
 (347) The magic pow'r of Gold is sure 
 To make the most ignoble pure. 
 
 (Kiddushin 7o<z). 
 
 Drink. 
 
 (348) To drink is a folly as well as a sin 
 
 The secret goes out when the wine has come 
 in. 
 
 (Erttbiti 6$a). 
 
 The Inevitable. 
 
 (349) Leave the drunkard, touch him not at all ! 
 For the drunkard of himself will fall. 
 
 (Shabbath 320).
 
 160 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 (350) 
 
 ?3 nnpn (350 
 
 a (352) 
 NSM Na 
 
 I-T xnn (353) 
 
 (354) 
 n
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. l6l 
 
 The Apparel oft Proclaims the Man. 
 (350) I'm honoured at home for myself and my 
 
 name, 
 
 But abroad for my garments and not for 
 my fame. 
 
 (Shal>bath 
 
 Making a Virtue of Necessity. 
 
 (351) A thief, without a chance to steal, 
 An honest man will try to feel. 
 
 (Sanhedrin 22/1). 
 
 Smartness. 
 
 (352) Thou art from Pumbaditha, where they try 
 To pass an elephant through a needle's eye. 
 
 (Baba Metsia 38/<)- 
 
 Partners. 
 
 (353) When partners own and boil a pot, 
 'Tis never cold and never hot. 
 
 (Erubin 3</). 
 
 Impostors. 
 (354) Let's be grateful to impostors 
 
 Who deceive us on our way ! 
 If it were not for impostors 
 We'd be sinning every day. 
 
 (Kethnboth 6a). 
 M
 
 1 62 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 jitfann D-JX in &ni3# ov (355) 
 
 C 'P " 
 
 ^ rvjmn nsn 1 nn 
 
 nia iJnip? nSiy (356)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 163 
 
 Tlie First Sunset Seen by Adam. 
 (355) Thus Adam cried when first he saw 
 
 The setting of the sun : 
 " Ah me ! perhaps 'tis through my sin, 
 
 That grievous sin I've done, 
 The world grows dark and now returns 
 
 To its chaotic state ; 
 This is the death decreed by Heaven 
 
 To be my bitter fate ! " 
 Throughout that night he sat and prayed, 
 
 As sat and prayed his bride ; 
 All night he fasted and he wept, 
 
 Eve weeping at his side. 
 But when at dawn he saw again 
 
 The precious light of day, 
 With grateful heart he then exclaimed, 
 
 " This is but Nature's way ! " 
 
 (Aboda Zara Sa). 
 
 Course of Nature Uniform. 
 (356) Ne'er from its course will Nature bend, 
 Though fools against God's laws offend ! 
 But of their folly and offence 
 Those fools shall take the consequence. 
 
 (Abotia Zara 
 M 2
 
 1 64 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 DV Sna (357) 
 
 n 
 
 n*? 
 
 ( a"a frv) 
 
 (358) 
 
 an nia^ n-n D^n pa JN (359)
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 165 
 
 Natural and Supernatural. 
 
 (357) The day when rain's descending is as great 
 As when did God the heav'n and earth create. 
 
 ( Taanith ^l>). 
 
 The Friends of God. 
 (358) Those who, being persecuted, 
 
 In return ne'er persecute ; 
 Those who hear themselves offended 
 
 Yet are patient and are mute ; 
 Those who act from purest motives, 
 
 Doing good from love of God ; 
 Those who suffer and are cheerful, 
 
 Welcoming the chastening rod, 
 Such are they of whom says Scripture, 
 
 " And His Friends, at noontide bright, 
 Shall shine forth in strength and glory 
 
 As tJie sun doth in his might ! " 
 
 ( Yoina 230). 
 
 The Messianic Time. 
 (359) The Messianic time in this alone 
 
 Will be distinguished from the present 
 
 day, 
 
 No Tyrant then shall sit upon a throne, 
 And all Oppression shall have passed away. 
 
 (Rerachoth 34/0.
 
 l66 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 
 
 ** (360) 
 
 r pii"n? nriK-K^ 
 nsnn min m^S D 
 
 ... - . - 
 
 nn 
 
 ^
 
 GEMS FROM THE TALMUD. 167 
 
 Without Haste, Wit/tout Rest. 
 (360) Not thine the labour to complete, 
 
 And yet thou art not free to cease ! 
 Hast thou much knowledge gained, thy sweet 
 
 Reward as largely shall increase. 
 And faithful is thy Lord in heaven, 
 
 Who will requite thy labour great ; 
 But know ! rewards, to good men given, 
 Are given in a future state. 
 
 (Aboth II. 21).
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Aaron, disciples of, 18. 
 Abraham, true child of, 15 ; his 
 death, 256 ; his faith in God, 
 
 335- 
 
 Aching heart, 98. 
 
 Actions, 40-41, 223-236; sur- 
 passing fhe creation, 248 ; a 
 shield against punishment, 
 289 ; surpassing eternal life, 
 292 ; requiring courage, 309 ; 
 aim of life, 313. 
 
 Adam deems labour a blessing, 
 175; seeing the first sunset, 
 
 355- 
 
 Alms, 2, 8. 
 Ambition, 152-154. 
 Anger, 51 ; index of character, 
 
 239 : of God, 338. 
 Animals, kindness to, 203. 
 Appearances, 63-65. 
 Artisans, 173-176. 
 Associates, 204-209. 
 Atonement, day of, 291. 
 Authority, 84. 
 
 Benevolence, 1,3; Jewish char- 
 acteristic, 1 7 ; pillar of society, 
 
 74- 
 
 Birth and death, 320. 
 Burdens, 307. 
 
 Care, 156. 
 
 Celibacy, 86. 
 Character, 239, 240. 
 Charity, 2-4, 11-12. 
 Children, to be trained, 94 ; of 
 
 the poor, 125 ; of the schools, 
 
 128-130; must be taught a 
 
 trade, 176. 
 Cities, their guardians, r*24 ; 
 
 without schools, 130 ; new, 
 
 339- 
 
 Comforting, 52. 
 Contempt, 43. 
 Contentment, 160. 
 Contrition, 293. 
 Courage, 309. 
 Courtesy, 26. 
 Creation, 244, 246, 248. 
 
 Death, 320-323 ; preferable to 
 isolation, 47 ; of a wife, 96 ; 
 of good men, 236, 252, 254- 
 256 ; not without sin, 280 ; 
 of man and beast, 316. 
 
 Dependence, 165. 
 
 Disciples, learning from, 115. 
 
 Discontent, 161, 163. 
 
 Dress, 350. 
 
 Drink, 239, 348. 
 
 Eccentricity, 61. 
 Economy, 345-346.
 
 i 70 INI 
 
 Education, pillar of society, 74. ; 
 universal, 106 ; elevates, 108 ; 
 with labour, 177; its object, 
 227 ; requires courage, 309. 
 
 Egyptians, drowning of the, 
 
 341- 
 
 Elegy, 256-257, 324. 
 Envy, 162-163. 
 Evil, 251 ; thoughts, 274. 
 Example, parental, 68. 
 Eye, agent of sin, 269. 
 
 Faith, 217 ; of Abraham, 335. 
 
 Falsehood, 194. 
 
 Fame, 109 ; posthumous, 316. 
 
 Fear of God, 218-219. 
 
 Fear of sin, 133, 271. 
 
 Fools, 131, 189, 251, 356. 
 
 Forbearance, 44, 358. 
 
 Forgiveness, 45. 
 
 Fortune, 310. 
 
 Freedom, 119. 
 
 Free-masons, 123. 
 
 Free-will, 295-298. 
 
 Friends, turned from foes, 46 ; 
 of the rich, 48 ; parting from, 
 49 ; to be chosen, 89 ; of 
 God, 358. 
 
 Friendship, 47. 
 
 Gentiles, charity atones for 
 them, 4; elevated by study, 
 108 ; judged by God, 334. 
 
 Gentleness, 155. 
 
 God, how best glorified, 14 ; 
 how to please Him, 42 ; and 
 man's parents, 66 ; dwells 
 with the meek, 144 ; His will, 
 
 220-22 1 : how to serve Him, 
 222 ; acting in His name, 
 225 ; deals with the righteous, 
 251 ; who shall not see Him, 
 261 ; and man's passions, 
 263 ; His saving grace, 264 ; 
 proclaims the secret sinner, 
 278 ; faith in Him, 335 ; His 
 mercy, 338, 340, 341 ; His 
 friends, 358. 
 
 Golden rule, the, 22. 
 
 Good heart, 13. 
 
 Good men, 240-259 ; their 
 special heavenly mansions, 
 317 ; tears over, 325. 
 
 Good name, 197, 316. 
 
 Gratitude, misplaced, 56. 
 
 Guests, 71. 
 
 Habit, force of, 281-282.' 
 Hatred, 19 ; breaks the rule, 
 
 21. 
 Heart, a good, 13 ; agent of sin, 
 
 270 ; benumbed by sin, 276. 
 Heaven, 235, 292, 311-312, 
 
 314-315, 3I7-3IS. 
 Heroes, 46, 185. 
 Honesty, 36-37. 
 Honour, 27-29 ; derived from 
 
 conduct, 41 ; to parents, 66 ; 
 
 to a wife, 91, 94. 
 Hope, 2IO, 213. 
 Humility, 142-144. 
 Hypocrites, 261. 
 
 Idolatry, of the heart, 267 ; 
 
 eschewed, 342. 
 Ignorance, 132-135, 137, 149.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 171 
 
 Impostors, 354. 
 
 Improving others, 58 ; one 
 
 another, 117-118. 
 Independence, 166-168. 
 Inevitable, the, 349. 
 Inferiors, 53*54 > learning from, 
 
 116; ruling them, 136. 
 Ingratitude, 55. 
 Intelligence, 100. 
 Intentions, 232. 
 Israel see Jews. 
 
 Jews, their characteristics, 17 ; 
 their loyalty, 83, 85; their 
 suffering, 305-306 ; judged by 
 God, 334; name of "Jew,' 
 342. 
 
 Judges, 79-80. 
 
 Judging, our neighbour, 23-25 ; 
 of God, 298, 333-334- 
 
 Justice, 73, 81-82. 
 
 Kind words, 6. 
 
 Knowledge, 105, 109-110; pos- 
 sessed by the sons of the 
 poor, 125 ; stays with the 
 humble, 142 ; and fear of 
 Heaven, 219 ; accompanies 
 the dead, 236. 
 
 Labour, 168-177 ; agricultural, 
 178, 184. 
 
 Land, 178-180, 184. 
 
 Leaders, 77-78. 
 
 Leading, 135-136, 201. 
 
 Learning, 114-118; from sin- 
 ners, 127 ; from every man, 
 139- 
 
 Liars, their punishment, 195 ; 
 shall not see God, 261. 
 
 Life, 311-316. 
 
 Livelihood, earned by a wife, 
 97 ; demands divine aid, 181. 
 
 Loquacity, woman's, 104. 
 
 Love of humanity, 18 : disin- 
 terested, 20 ; breaks the rule, 
 21 ; of God, 358. 
 
 Loyalty, 83, 85. 
 
 Madness, temporary, 275. 
 Man, beloved of God, 299 ; 
 
 compared to grass, 327. 
 Mankind, 1 8, 42. 
 Marriage, 87-89, 94, 180. 
 Measure for measure, 332. 
 Mercy, 14-17; of God, 338, 
 
 340-34I- 
 
 Merit, 90, 237-238. 
 
 Messiah, God's Messiahs, 128 ; 
 Messianic time, 359. 
 
 Moderation, 200. 
 
 Modesty, 199. 
 
 Money, marrying for it, 88 ; 
 index of character, 239 ; puri- 
 fies the ignoble, 347. 
 
 Mourning, 52, 324. 
 
 Nature, 355-357- 
 
 Obedience, to authority, 84 ; 
 
 to God, 220-221, 316. 
 Old age, 101, 294, 328-331. 
 Omniscience, 298. 
 Oppression, 359. 
 
 Parents, 66-68.
 
 172 
 
 Parting, 49. 
 
 Partners, 353. 
 
 Passions, 185, 229, 262 ; and 
 God, 263-264 ; and the Torah, 
 268 ; grow stronger, 264-266. 
 
 Peace, between man and God, 
 3 ; to be loved, 18 ; its im- 
 portance, 72-73 ; domestic, 
 94 ; increased by scholars, 
 122. 
 
 Penitent, the, 288, 294. 
 
 Perjury, 192-193. 
 
 Persecution, 145, 358. 
 
 Perseverance, 183. 
 
 Piety, 74, 133-134. 
 
 Pleasures, 315. 
 
 Poor, the, 5-6 ; without friends, 
 48 ; their children, 125. 
 
 Position, 182. 
 
 Poverty, 95 ; of the mind, 149. 
 
 Praise, 57 ; to God, 214. 
 
 Prayer, 50. 215-216; requires 
 courage, 309. 
 
 Preaching and practice, 230. 
 
 Pride, 146-150. 
 
 Procrastination, 107, 164, 287. 
 
 Progress, 112-113. 
 
 Prophets, 131, 138, 150. 
 
 Providence, faith in, 217 ; 
 special, 336-337. 
 
 Prudence, 188. 
 
 Punishment, for perjury, 193 ; 
 of liars, 195; a shield against 
 it, 289 ; of fools, 356. 
 
 Quarrels, domestic, 95. 
 Rain, 336. 
 
 Rejoicing in suffering, 303, 358. 
 
 Reparation, 290-291. 
 
 Repentance, the aim of wisdom, 
 226 ; when impossible, 234, 
 285 ; in time, 286-287 ; a 
 shield, 289 ; a taste of heaven, 
 292. 
 
 Reproving, 59-60. 
 
 Resignation, 211-212, 221. 
 
 Responsibility, 300-301. 
 
 Resurrection, 336. 
 
 Rewards, 222, 228, 302, 308, 
 312, 360. 
 
 Rich, the, 48. 
 
 Sacrifices, 2. 
 
 Satan, 269. 
 
 Scholars, III, 113, 116-117, 
 
 122-123, 127, 132, 184. 
 Schools, children of, 128-130. 
 Scoffei - s, 261. 
 Self-assurance, 198. 
 Self-control, 186. 
 Self-indulgence, 187. 
 Self-reliance, 164. 
 Self-reverence, characteristic of 
 
 Jews, 17 ; not prone to sin, 
 
 284. 
 
 Servants, 69-70. 
 Shame, 29-33 ; felt by woman, 
 
 1 02. 
 
 Shamelessness, 283. 
 Sick, the, 10. 
 Silence, 189-190. 
 Sin, 234, 270-285 ; atoned for, 
 
 291 ; cleansed by suffering, 
 
 304 ; less in new cities, 339. 
 Sincerity, 196.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 '73 
 
 Sinless, the, 294. 
 
 Sinners, 258-260, 278-279 ; 
 
 their fall, 340-341. 
 Slander, 34-35. 
 Slanderers, 261. 
 Smartness, 352. 
 Society, 73-75. 
 Soul, divine image, 299 ; its 
 
 purity, 319. 
 Speech, 190. 
 Spirits, 344. 
 Spiritual gifts, 141. 
 Statues, 253. 
 Study, not to be delayed, 107 ; 
 
 aim of life, 316 ; its reward, 
 
 360. 
 
 Submission, 62. 
 Suffering, 280, 301-304. 
 
 Tables of stone, 343. 
 Teachers, 115, 124. 
 
 Teaching, 126. 
 
 Tears, 325-326. 
 
 Testimonials, 231. 
 
 Thieves, 38, 215, 351. 
 
 Thoughts, evil, 274. 
 
 Torah, the, I, 119-121 ; and the 
 
 passions, 268. 
 Trouble, 76, 157-159. 
 Truth, 73, 191, 194. 
 
 Usury, 39. 
 
 Wife, 90-93, 96-99. 
 
 Wisdom, 138-141 ; and good 
 
 deeds, 223 ; its aim, 226 ; 
 
 and fear of sin, 271. 
 Woman, 100-104. 
 Words, unseemly, 202. 
 World, the, 129, 241-245. 
 
 Youth, 294, 328-331. 
 
 Wertheimer, Lea & Co., Printers, Circus Place, London Wall, E C.
 
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