Who said Judaism wasn't filled with self-help?
Who said Judaism wasn't filled with self-help?
25 of my favorite quotes, from ancient Jewish texts, about self-development.
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If asked about the ideals which Judaism is normally associated, we might list Shabbat observance, a kosher diet, Israel and Zionism, circumcision, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and a variety of other ideals and mitzvot.
There is, however, a concept that is common to many peoples and cultures, which occupies a central place in Judaism: self-development.
Judaism’s comprehensive and unique approach to self-help is grounded in one place where many people would be dumbfounded to find it: ancient Jewish texts. Probably because they have an overly religious connotation, and therefore anyone not religiously inclined might automatically write them off.
Even of one my good friends, a non-religious Jewish and one of the smartest, most well-read people I know, scoffed when I told him that the Torah — for all its religious overtones — is filled with self-help. (Truth be told, it was that recent conversation which prompted this piece.)
Here are 25 of my favorite quotes, from ancient Jewish texts, about self-development: