Who Wants to Be a Gerbil?

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Who Wants to Be a Gerbil?

Love is overrated: in relationships, in religion, in society as a whole. Love may add flavor to life. But purpose brings life to life. That's indispensable.

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The Truth About G-d's Love

Equality or Morality?

By Manis Friedman

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

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8 Comments

Dr. Elyas F. Isaacs PhD,DPH,DDiv. New York April 4, 2013

I Am Not A PETA Activist I am a scientist and zealous Orthodox Jew. And surely without a doubt I care about and am sensitive to children who find any reason to attempt or wish to attempt suicide.

But, what is wrong with gerbils? Many people and especially often small children love their pets. And often a good pet and definitely for a small living space such pets can be gerbils.

Have any of you ever watched the TV series "The Littlest Lemur" or "Meerkat Manor"? I most say that the antics and community ethos of those little critters so close to being like Gerbils shows even they seem to live in the heart of the Lord's ecstatic love.

Don't neglect gerbils even though the 14 year old decided on "bad behaviour". It is not their fault.

Always yours, Reply

Laszlo Szontagh Oroville, Ca August 1, 2010

Beautiful This was a very clear show. Thank you Reply

Mr. Richard Raff February 24, 2010

Clear view I love it when the Jewish community can really come together for a purpose. I see what its like when you are not alone. When every Jew can have a very important job in putting the picture together as one. Getting the satisfaction of having a active role in support of the whole team, no bench warmer now. Every body is helping and working real hard. Reply

Catherine NY, NY February 23, 2010

how true As a special education teacher I encounter children who have been discarded or abused by parents and to me, the worst case always turns out to be the most special person I could imagine. If only the parents could see. I always encourage the child to feel his importance by finding the specialness of his soul and then making sure he can see it too. I always try to help the parents see but sometimes they just cannot. As sad as it is, I always believe the reason I was meant to touch that childs life was enough to help him later in his life. We all have to pitch in whenever G-d presents us with a person who feels worthless. We have to at least try with all your heart to make that person feel worthwhile. But remember, it has to be a genuine thought, because those people who feel worthless can see right through you. Reply

Yochay Jerby Zurich, Switzerland January 18, 2010

Beautiful Beautiful.

There's nothing bad in being needed or to need others. Inspiring Reply

Richard Raff BonneyLake, WA January 16, 2010

Seven Noahide Laws I now understand what the first 1 law means through these interviews. I have not included myself more into the Jewish lifestyle I have sent myself outside the camp. I can not learn much by doing this by myself. I will soon introduce myself in the most common way I can to the Jewish community. I need the ability to learn Torah in a personal way that evolves real people .I am just feeling better now but need just a bit more time. Reply

Alejandro Levy Luxembourg, Luxembourg January 12, 2010

Does this apply to relationships as well? I always heard that you should have someone in your life because you love them and not because you need them.

But Rabbi, you are now saying that we you need people in our life,

How would you differentiate between loving and needing in a relationship with humans as suppose to a relationship with the almighty?

Thanks Reply

Anonymous Philly, PA September 22, 2009

amazing! just one question: what does "ahavat chinam", purposless love mean? Reply