2 F(>1- 1 S ale Front Lines TELL ME WHY Drop Off Your Oriental / Area Rugs at any Original Hagopian Rug Care Center and we'll clean every other one FREE Way Of The Land The most difficult mitzvah: human behavior. 25% HAGIPPIAN The 000nd Since I939 off Expert Rug Repair CLEANING SERVICES Call now for our in home cleaning specials! 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 1-800-HAGOPIAN (424-6742) We're the purple truck people! Rug RZelem '9! Care Centers 8 Mile W I Coolidge Birmingham Old Woodward & Lincoln Ann Arbor The Courtyard Shops 12 Mile & Novi Rd k '('4'.1prlea.,S49 9' 7' sittems4r,a90 N o vi through May 31, 2006 Free delivery with this ad within 50 miles ❑ Exec To Be Feted Adat Shalom Synagogue will honor its 25-year executive director, Alan Yost, at the Farmington Hills congregation's annual meet- ing 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17. Call, (248) 851- 5100. Alan Yost Gallery Fund-Raiser An auction at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10, benefiting the Jewish Parents Institute will be held at Steve and Rocky's, Northville. JPI offers secular Jewish cultural programming at the West Bloomfield JCC. Steve and Rocky's will serve wine and an hors d'oeuvres dinner; enter- tainment will be provided. Tickets are $50 per person, $80 per couple. Reservations are requested, but not required. Call Marilyn Wolfe, (248) 432-5471, or Stefanie Stern, (248) 432- 5472. .42-12 k ga5_ ,, ,t.?.1 % i7M, *****STA1RVVAY LIFTS***** THE CAREFREE WAY TO CLIMB STAIRS When you're disabled, or just not able to move around as freely as you once could, stairs can be a real problem. But there is a simple answer. The powered stairway lift. Easily installed to fit curved or straight stairs. They give you back the ability to move around your own home. Folds back-gets in nobody's way. CALL OR STOP BY FOR A FREE DEMONSTRATION ACTON RENTAL & SALES LARRY ARONOFF (313) 891-6500 I love my Stairway Lift! It takes me up and down the stairs with the push of a button. Call for details! (248) 540-5550,„,.., Jewish.com May 11 • 2006 15