The middos-character-traits tag has no wiki summary.
14
votes
2answers
153 views
Insults in the gemarah
Why do tanaim and amoraim use disparaging terms (bavlai tipshai, for instance) or insults when talking with one another. If there is something positive to be learned from this behavior why is it no ...
11
votes
11answers
1k views
How can I curb my sexual desire?
I am looking for the best and most practical suggestion as to what a man can do to curb his yetzer hara (evil inclination) for sexual desire. Please provide sources for why your answer should be ...
10
votes
5answers
209 views
Need a Torah-based quote for “reaching new levels”
Can someone please recommend an appropriate biblical quote or passage that illustrates (or somehow relates to) the ethic "reaching new levels" (spiritual, emotional, educational)?
9
votes
3answers
241 views
Why does the Mishna not follow its own advice?
In Avot 5:7, the Mishna states that there are 7 characteristics of a Golem (boor) and 7 characteristics of a Chacham (wise person). It then goes on to list the 7 qualities of a wise man.
One of the ...
8
votes
1answer
114 views
How to attain patience
Are there any Sifre Musar that give advice on how to become more patient? If so, can you bring a few points on how to do so? Please cite sources.
7
votes
1answer
100 views
Do angels have jealousy?
In a famous Midrash in Shab. 87a-b, the angels object to the Torah being given to humans, until Moshe proves that it is only relevant to humans because of their nature. In one example, he asks ...
7
votes
3answers
204 views
Is Ferberization okay?
Is there anything objectionable (in terms of halacha, hashkafa and middos) to using the Ferber method for training an infant to fall asleep on its own? There is an element of cruelty, and the ultimate ...
6
votes
5answers
229 views
Why is fear of Hashem known as Yiras Shamayim?
When people discuss the fear of Hashem it is called Yiras Shamayim. Why is it called Yiras Shamayim? Should it not be called Yiras Hashem?
6
votes
5answers
152 views
Was the world created with din or with rachamim?
I remember Chazal saying somewhere that the world could not survive, had it been created with din/harsh judgement/strictness. However, in Bereshis, at the very beginning, it says:
בְּרֵאשִׁית ...
6
votes
1answer
84 views
Honouring an older person
What sources are there for showing respect and honour to an old person who is not necessarily a talmid chochom or a parent?
6
votes
2answers
114 views
The original Mesilas Yesharim
Mesilas Yesharim is a digest version of a previous work by the Ramchal. This work is an ongoing conversation between a wise man and a pious man (Thank you chanoch for the correction). I don't recall ...
6
votes
0answers
95 views
American Idol and HaMalbin Pnei Ḥavero BeRabim
(Inspired by this question)
Is watching televised talent shows, such as "American Idol", which are known to invite contestants to embarrass themselves in front of millions, and even have judges whose ...
5
votes
4answers
208 views
Dealing with anger
What is a good sefer or even book that helps people with a problem with getting angry?
5
votes
2answers
98 views
How do I remove spiritual chametz along with the physical?
I've heard the idea many times that as we approach Pesach we should be worried not only about the physical chametz in our houses but also the spiritual chametz (hubris etc) that we carry in our souls. ...
5
votes
3answers
126 views
What's wrong with being haughty?
We find many times in tanach and chazal (eg Sota 5a) where humbleness is praised and haughtiness is condemned. I would like to understand why that is. A person can conceivably fulfill all the ...
5
votes
1answer
78 views
Does torah study refine one's character?
I have met some torah scholars who appear to be learning quite a bit, yet their character traits appear to be in the lacking.
Is torah study supposed to refine one's character? If so, how can we ...
3
votes
2answers
98 views
Law against putting people down?
I recall hearing a few years ago about a law in scripture regarding one's speech that had a particular Jewish interpretation that resonated with me. The problem is, I don't remember what it was ...
3
votes
1answer
36 views
Why do we say fear God because of the Benefits? Shouldnt it be Leshem Shomayim
It says (Tehilim 34:10):
יראו את ה' קדושיו כי אין מחסור ליראיו
Why do we tell the holy ones to fear God because they will lack nothing? The Mishnah (Avos 1:3) says one should serve God without ...
1
vote
2answers
642 views
Why usury or interest on loan is illegal within Jews and legal for non-Jews [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Are we allowed to charge interest or not?
Any action or deed which is not considered ethical for ourselves, should also apply on others as well. Also throughout the ...
0
votes
1answer
24 views
Why do the middat hayom start with chessed and progress to malchut?
Included in my siddur as part of the sefirat haomer are the corresponding middat hayom for each day/week. They begin with chessed sh'b'chessed and progress through a series of middot - gevurah, ...
0
votes
1answer
63 views
The Parameters of Hakaras HaTov?
Hakaras HaTov is generally translated as, or equated with, gratitude. Insofar as it literally means "recognizing the good",are there any sources which explicitly include recognizing good that we do ...
