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RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: Modern Commentary to Derek Eretz
RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: TRENTON TIMES: "PROMINENT JEWISH LEADER": DEREK ERETZ BOOK
Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal, Hilton Head, was lauded by The Institute of American and Talmudic Law as a "great example" of a "prominent Jewish leader" for his dedicated work in developing a Magan Tzedek, a Shield of Righteousness, ensuring that animals are treated humanely, and workers treated fairly, in kosher meat packing plants. His 3rd book: "The Path and Wisdom to Living with Others in Peace: A Modern Commentary to Talmud Tractates Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah, Vol.One," {Amazon Press}, was published this February.
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The term Derek Eretz, literally means "the way of the land". The Tractates teach us how to behave so that we get along with others, even difficult people. The texts teach us how to limit our egos with dealing with others so that we do not step on the toes of others inviting retaliation.
"Derek eretz comes before Torah" (Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 9:3) – one cannot personify Torah (Bible) until he demonstrates proper human to human behaviors in everything that he does.
Derek Eretz is not about Jewish ritual. It is about how we are to treat one another and what traits of character we are to try to develop. The lessons are universal and ecumenical. Derek Eretz teaches us decent, polite, respectful, thoughtful, and civilized behavior.
For the first time since these two Talmudic Tractates were written circa 1500 to 2000 years ago, a modern commentary has been written. We can see today in the media, on the streets, in the political arena, and in board rooms, that proper decorum is sorely lacking.
Here are two of the many important maxims in these two Tractates:
- "If others speak evil of you let the greatest thing seem unimportant in your eyes; but if you have spoken evil of others, let the least word seem important."
- "If you have done much good let it seem little in your eyes, and say: 'Not of my own have I done this, but of that good which has come to me through others'; but let a small kindness done to you appear great."
The chapter on Shalom is one of the entire Talmud's most joyous and hopeful to read. A sampling: "Seek peace, and pursue it," which means, seek peace at the place where you are, and if you do not find it, seek it in other places."
Rabbi Arthur Segal has dissected the verses in Talmud Bavli Tractates Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah, into an easy to read, easy to follow, four volume text, so that one can actually put this knowledge into every day practical use. Volume one is now published.
A SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL COMPENDIUM TO THE TORAH AND TALMUD
He was ordained a Rabbi with Semikah after ten years of intensive study, and was the first to bring weekly Torah and Mishna classes to one of the oldest synagogues in America where he held the position of Scholar-in-Residence for a year.
Rabbi Arthur Segal is an author of internationally acclaimed books and essays on Jewish Renewal, Mussar, Ethics, and Torah and Talmud.
Rabbi Arthur Segal was lauded by The Institute of American and Talmudic Law as "great example" of a "prominent Jewish leader" for his dedicated work in developing a Magan Tzedek, a Shield of Righteousness, insuring that animals are treated humanely, and workers treated fairly, in kosher meat packing plants.
Rabbi Arthur Segal was sited as one of the top 50 seminarians and theologians, and of these 50 only 3 were Jewish.
Rabbi Arthur Segal teaches classes on Jewish Spiritual Renewal and The Spiritual and Ethical Teachings of the Torah, TaNaK and Talmud in free on-line classes.(sign up). He teaches Torah, Talmud, Midrash and other great texts, such as Duties of the Heart by Ibn Pakudah of 1050 C.E. Spain, to adults in his hometown or via telephone conferencing.
Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal does rabbinic counseling using the step-by-step process of Jewish Spiritual Renewal to help his fellow Jews achieve a spiritual life.
Rabbi Arthur Segal has lectured extensively the world over in almost all continents. He conducts Holiday and Shabbat services on cruise ships and for international congregations that do not have a rabbi.
He is highly sought after to conduct life cycle events, especially his custom made weddings.
Rabbi also works with Jewish prisoners who wish to effect change in their lives.
Rabbi Arthur Segal is happily married to his beshert, Ellen Freedman Segal. Together they have traveled to over 150 countries, visiting and aiding Jewish communities where they exist. He is active in his local community, serving on a variety of boards, mostly related to Arts and Cultural Diversity. Ellen and Rabbi Segal enjoy a life of shalom, shlema and gratitude, with their parrot, Avivit Keter.
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
facebook.com/RabbiArthurSegalJewishSpiritualRenewal
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA
Jewish Renewal www.jewishrenewal.info
Jewish Spiritual Renewal http://rabbiarthursegal.blogspot.com
Jewish Spirituality
Eco Judaism
facebook.com/RabbiArthurSegalJewishSpiritualRenewal
Hilton Head Island, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA
