values matter – The Tree of Life

Truth & Knowledge

The Importance of Transcendent Values

“Whoso loveth knowledge loveth correction.”

– Proverbs 12:1, JPS 1917 Tanach

The knowledge acquired from kitvei kosdesh (holy scripture) shows us how to conduct our lives, and leads to improvement in the areas of our lives that need to be brought into alignment with G-d’s will. Yet, by way of contrast, the current zeitgeist of the world advocates for subjective experience, thoughts, and feelings over and against any kind of objective, authoritative, or transcendent knowledge.

Moreover, when an individual person is regarded as the soul arbiter of truth, self raises itself above all else, and closes one’s mind toward correction from any other source. The result being that a wayward freedom reigns in the heart, instead of a higher calling of responsibility. We are not only responsible to ourselves; we are also responsible to others and to G-d. Even if we are unable to steer the world in a direction that is in accord with truth and knowledge, let us, at least, reclaim whatever parts of ourselves need to be brought under the directive of G-d’s will.

The adage, “to they own self be true,” not only falls short of the mark (an archery metaphor); the adage also furthers the subjective self-indulgence of the heart that leads to confusion. As the world spins, metaphorically, in the wrong direction, those who seek to uphold objective truth and values, must be true to a transcendent calling.

Our Responsibility to the Next Generation

“And these words which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.”

– Deuteronomy 6:6-7

The future will be decided by the values, attitudes, and beliefs that the next generation upholds. If we permit ourselves to take a casual stance, in regard to how the younger generation is being taught in the public education system, than we consign even our own children to the whims of the zeitgeist, unless we educate them ourselves. Moreover, we should attempt to foster the moral values, that are being diminished in the eyes of the youth, by making an effort to raise awareness, and educate those who are being led astray.

The moral values that we uphold should be passed on to our children, as per the wisdom of instilling these values in them, so that they will go in the way of their heritage, and not depart from those ways (see Proverb 22:6). Yet, the effort being made by the indoctrination of youth into Woke ideology in the educational systems, is competing for the souls of children, whose minds are pliable. Unless they are taught the morality that has shaped the bedrock of Western civilization, they will know of no other truths, other than what they are taught by a system that attempts to usurp the truth, morality, and ethics of Judeo-Christian belief, as well as classical antiquity.

The values being instilled in the current generation will shape society down the road, more readily than is already happening today, as a result of the cultural revolution. The stance of any individual concerned for the future, must not be complacent. Consider the ramifications of Vladimir Lenin’s remark, “Give me four years to teach the children, and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted.” This is what we have to contend with, before it is too late.

Blessing of Preservation

1^st Aliyah parasha Vayechi

5783 – blessing of preservation

Both Manasseh and Ephraim both grew up in the royal household of Egypt. Yaakov, their grandfather, who is partially blind, asks who they are, when Jospeh brings them to him. On a deeper leve, his question may be construed as an inquiry into their character. Are their moral concomitant with the legacy of Abraham? Have they remained in their integrity as the sons of the righteous Joseph, who surely instructed them properly. Despite the surrounding idolatrous environment, are there adherents to the belief in the G-d of Israel? The answer to all of the above is yes, inasmuch that Yaakov’s blessing was for the sake of preservation, that they continue on the derech.

This blessing is performed every Friday evening when parents bless their sons. Implicitly, this blessing is meant to be a safeguard against undue influence from the less than ideal mores of society that are opposed to living a righteous life. Something we all face, in terms of this type of influence, the moreso, depending upon how much interaction we have with outside influences.

Peer pressure, while growing up, especially for those of us who have grown up in the secular world; and, other types of pressure today as adults at work, in social spheres, and at the hands of the misguided social justice warriors who use intimidation and condemnation as their means to compel or cancel others, who do not follow the narrative norm. Yet, Israel is a nation set apart from the nations.