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Shalom and Greetings:We warmly invite you to consider reading about our new book, our fifth, published with rave reviews: ''GREAT IS PEACE." It is about ethical living and civility.From Rabbi Brad Bloom ,Congregation Beth Yam, Hilton Head Island, SC : ''Rabbi Arthur Segal continues his journey into the depths of Jewish texts to explore how they help us all improve and refine our ethics and shed light on the struggle to be at peace with ourselves, our neighbors, and ultimately with the Eternal.''GREAT IS PEACE is not just a text for Jews, its wisdom is timeless and for all people. "Derek Eretz [ethical spiritual behavior] comes before Torah" (Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 9:3) – one cannot personify Torah until one demonstrates Derek Eretz in everything that one does.Our sages revealed the path for living at peace with others and taught how to:
-cultivate mindfulness
-stay centered in times of stress
-let go of negativity
-increase self-esteem
-bring out the best in others
-maintain harmony in relationships
-deal with difficult people
-live in serenity, knowing that above all else, ''Great is Peace."Remember that Derek Eretz is not about Jewish ritual. It is about how we are to treat one another and what traits of character, middot, we are to try to develop. The lessons are universal and ecumenical. The development of character traits and Jewish spiritual renewal transformation is called Mussar. Derek Eretz teaches us decent, polite, respectful, thoughtful, and civilized behavior.For the first time since this Talmudic Tractate was written circa 1500 to 2000 years ago, a modern commentary has been written. We can see today in the media, on the streets, in politics and in board rooms, and some of our homes 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 into an easy to read, easy to follow, text, so that one can actually put this knowledge into every day practical use.
Chapter Ten, known as "the Chapter on Peace," was considered to be so important by our rabbis that they wanted to make it a tractate of Talmud by itself. One of God's holy names is Shalom. Derek Eretz Zuta teaches us to "love peace and pursue peace."
"People are hungry for civility. More than ever this is a time for civility. Love is the key to many of our problems. I will not let anyone occupy my heart with hate. It is not what someone calls you, but what you answer to."
– Donna Brazile, Vice-Chairwoman, Democratic National Committee.http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/books/great-is-peace-a-modern-commentary-on-talmud-bavli-tractate-derek-eretz-zuta
At once a history lesson and guide to interpersonal ethics, Great is Peace is an eye-opening, life-affirming resource for anyone who asks "What does Judaism have to offer in the 21st century?" Our great sages understood what many today have forgotten – that each of us can heal and repair the world - one person, one interaction at a time. Each of us can be a vessel of our prayers and hopes for shalom, peace. Each of us can live happy, joyous and free, even when the world seems to be an upside-down place.
Here are what others are saying about ''Great is Peace'':
"Rabbi Arthur Segal has taken a little known Talmudic Tractate on a very important subject: treating our fellow man correctly. He has dissected it with his erudite ability to help us understand how the sages of the past intended us to behave toward one another. Rabbi Segal is a outstanding teacher of Talmud-Torah and his insight into this subject is greatly appreciated. I continue to look forward to reading more of his writings and highly recommend this book to you."
—Rabbi Gershon Steinberg-Caudill, Berkeley, CA
''Knowing Rabbi Arthur Segal, I can easily say he is a mensch who personifies Derek Eretz, which is about living at peace with others. He is dedicated to helping others shift their lives through his teachings, his writings, and his essence. Rabbi Segal's
passion in his work is palpable and in turn motivating and inspirational.''
—Rabbi Miriam Maron, RN, MA, PhD
Author of The Kabbalistic Wheel of Astro Mystery & Its Relationship to the Human Experience
"Rabbi Arthur Segal's Commentary on Derek Eretz Zuta is an extraordinary collection of Jewish teachings and observations on ways to refine ourselves towards greater holiness and healthiness. Leading us to align ourselves with quality character attributes through personal development (Mussar), this text is a valuable source for study. It is a gift for those who aspire to mitzvah-centered living, rather than self-centered living, not by being self-less, rather by cultivating self as a vessel for the light of Torah."
—Rabbi Goldie Milgram, Executive Vice-President, ReclaimingJudaism.org
Along with Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal's other 4 best-selling titles, ''Great is Peace'' is text worth studying and cherishing. It deserves a place in your library of meaningful books.
http://www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org/books/great-is-peace-a-modern-commentary-on-talmud-bavli-tractate-derek-eretz-zuta
