What Makes a 'Good' Person?

Autoplay Next

What Makes a 'Good' Person?

There are three conditions in life: good, evil and the holy.

Topics:

Good and Evil, Kabbalah & Chassidism, Tanya

Rabbi Manis Friedman, a noted Chassidic philosopher, author and lecturer, is dean of Bais Chana Women's Institute of Jewish Studies.

Michael Chighel (Kigel) received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Toronto for his dissertation on the Book of Job, after a specialization in 20th-century French and German thought. In Canada he taught in the departments of philosophy and of Jewish studies at the universities of York, Queen’s and Waterloo. He produced Passages and Messages for eleven seasons on Canadian television (CTS). Until this year he held the Rohr Chair of Jewish Studies at the Lauder Business School in Vienna, where he taught Torah, European ethics and political economy. He has translated a number of books and published various articles in Jewish thought. Michael and his family have made aliyah, and now live in Jerusalem.

Join the Discussion

Sort By:

NewestOldest

6 Comments

suzy handler Woodland Hills, Ca. January 27, 2017

I am not certain what makes a good person. G-d showed me a sign today but I will keep this to myself. I try and do good deeds and read the Torah daily but sometimes I think bad thoughts. I wish I didn't.
Perhaps someone will help me out there. Reply

FaheySC South Carolina July 15, 2013

I needed this! Reply

EDWARD April 1, 2013

This took the blinders off my eyes!!!!! Reply

Nahomi ca, ca February 28, 2011

tears came to my face I felt so unimportant when my only brother died, I felt that G-D was punishing me , I had to Understand G-D was Loving me.

I am back to prayer! Reply

tzina nechumah Tel Aviv, Israel February 6, 2011

Seeking 'oneness'. You've reminded me of a wonderful story that was told at a 60'th B''H! wedding anniversary:
A little old man, and a little old woman were waiting to see the doctor. Finally they are asked into the office and the doctor asks 'Who is not feeling well today?' 'What can I do to help?' The little old man replies: 'Doctor, we have a cold'.

They have achieved that 'oneness' that so many strive for. They are 'one' couple. Each feels the pain, the joy of the other. The sense of sharing has obliterated the self and together they are one. That essence is what some may describe as 'soul mates' not as a gift from above but as a treasure that each has given only to the other: themselves.

I am my beloved's. My beloved is mine. What remarkable words that are repeated each day, As G-d renews His marriage with the children of Abraham, Issac and Jacob, each day, in a promise that will never be broken, for all eternity, we too must respond and be worthy of His love and seek 'oneness' with Him. Reply

Anonymous dallas, ga December 25, 2008

very smart man rabbi friedman! Reply

What Makes a 'Good' Person?

More in this section

You may also be interested in...

Join the Discussion