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The Pentateuch, the other books of the Bible, the Talmud, the prayer book-- these are the basic texts of Judaism. But there is more-- commentaries on the law, mystical and philosophical writings, the sayings of inspired teachers. (177:3) From all these a Jew learns that holiness belongs not only in the Synagogue but also in the marketplace. When, long ago, a pagan demanded to be taught the essence of Torah while he stood on one foot, the wisdom of Rabbi Hillel's reply was not only in the advice, "What is hateful unto yourself, do not do unto others," but even more in the afterword: "This is the whole Torah, the rest is commentary. God and study." The concrete and detailed application of principles like love and justice-- this is the real wisdom of Judaism.
(177:4)
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