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Way Of The Land
The most difficult mitzvah:
human behavior.
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Elizabeth Applebaum
Contributing Editor
Q: I often hear people talking
about derech eretz. What is this?
A: Derech eretz translates literally
to "way of the land," and it is used in a
variety of ways.
The modern Orthodox movement,
for example, often is characterized as
Torah im derech eretz, incorporat-
ing both observant Judaism and the
secular world.
Derech eretz also refers to proper
conduct, and its observance is not
just a nice thing to do, it's a mitzvah
(commandment). This means it is
as binding as every law regarding
kashrut or the holidays, is as much a
part of Judaism as helping the poor
and hungry. Yet, judging from human
behavior, it's the most difficult mitz-
vah to observe.
The rabbis taught: derech eretz
kedma l'Torah, which can mean,
proper behavior precedes the Torah,"
or "There is no Torah without proper
behavior."
The rules for derech eretz are exten-
sive and can be found in numerous
tractates, throughout the Talmud and
in Maimonides'Mishneh Torah.
They also are the focus of numerous
midrashim and stories about history's
greatest rabbis.
There is no aspect of human behav-
ior not covered in the rules of derech
eretz. Whether he is at home or in
society, speaking or walking, in the
way he eats and drinks, a Jew is obli-
gated to act with proper behavior.
Consider language. "When speak-
ing," Maimonides said, a Jew "should
neither shout nor scream nor raise his
voice excessively"
In an argument, because this is
when a person is likely lose his tem-
per, one should never interrupt anoth-
er's speech, never respond without
thinking, and should ask only relevant
questions.
A Jew should be the first to
acknowledge another person. A
famous story is told of Yochanan
ben Zakkai. Though a great scholar
and much-respected rabbi, he made
it a point to always extend greetings
((
before others could do the same.
Rules of derech eretz direct Jews
to dress modestly, never in a showy
or slovenly way. A Jew's eating habits
should be modest, as well, consuming
enough to content himself, but never
so much as to appear a glutton. "A
man should always spend on food less
than his means allow, and clothe him-
self in accordance with his means,"
according to the Talmud.
Jews are to walk like "a man going
about his business:' according to
Maimonides. They should never
appear haughty nor downtrodden as
they travel down the road.
Some of the most extensive rules
govern how one must treat his fellow.
"Let the honor of your neighbor be as
dear to you as your own:' the rabbis
taught.
For more, visit the Web site
www.shemayisrael.co.il/rabbiforsythe/
interpersonal/derecheretz.htm#before
and also the Web site: www.hineni.org/
rcolumn_view.sp?id=174&category=1
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Jewish.com
May 11 • 2006
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