The ideal age for education

Hi,

"One should always set his heart to supervise his children and be consistent in educating them, whether old or young, but the appropriate time to work at educating them to the fullest is when their minds are developing to fruition, from 16 to 24. Before 16 he does not have sufficient intellect to accept, and after 24 he won't listen that much."

(Rabbi Menachem Meiri, Commentary to Kiddushin 30a)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Avoid danger

Hi,

"One should always take care not to deliver himself into danger or rely on a miracle, for one does not know which way the scales are leaning."

(Meiri to Shabbat 32a)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Hallel

Hi,

"Any individual who has encountered trouble and been saved from it may establish recitation Hallel for himself on that day every year, but he does not recite a blessing when reciting it. The same applies to every community. This was what the prophets established, to say Hallel for every trouble when we are saved."

(Meiri to Pesachim 117a)

Chag Atzmaut sameach,
Mordechai

Spiritual intent in a material world

Hi,

"We are taught, 'All of your deeds should be for heaven's sake.'

"This is an important, all-encompassing statement. It means this:

"A person must involve himself in affairs of the world and in the development of civil society, for the sake of material needs. This lesson instructs us that even when we are involved in such matters, our intent should still be, specifically, for completion of the soul."

(R' Menachem Meiri on Pirkei Avot 2:16)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The great influence of hatred and love

Hi,

The following is a comment by Rabbi Menachem Meiri, a 14th century sage, on a verse, Proverbs 10:12 - "Hatred arouses litigation, but love covers up all transgressions."

"This says that hatred will awaken quarrels and fights even in lightweight matters, regarding which people do not ordinarily quarrel. The degree of one's hatred for another causes him to suspect the other even in lightweight matters, even for mistakes, and to quarrel with him continually.

"Love, on the other hand, covers up even transgressions, which includes intentional sin and rebellion."

(Meiri to Proverbs 10:12)

The weight of Truth

Hi,

"The sages of ethical instruction have said: Truth is a heavy load, which is why so few people carry it."

(Meiri, Sefer haMidot, Emet v'Sheker (based on Mishlei 1:4))

Have a great day,
Mordechai