Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom

דֶּרֶךְ יְשָׁרָה – The Upright Path

רַבִּי אוֹמֵר:
אֵיזוֹ הִיא דֶּרֶךְ יְשָׁרָה שֶׁיָּבוֹר לוֹ הָאָדָם?
כָּל שֶׁהִיא תִפְאֶרֶת לְעוֹשֶׂיהָ וְתִפְאֶרֶת לוֹ מִן הָאָדָם.
(Ethics of the Fathers 2:1)

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 Summary Teaching

> “Choose the path that brings honor to yourself and earns the respect of others — not just what is allowed, but what is truly good in God’s eyes. Serve Hashem using your own personality and gifts, and respect others who do the same. True greatness walks humbly and wisely — with balance, dignity, and kindness.”

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 Key Points in Brief:

Balance is the key. Rambam teaches the “golden mean” — avoid extremes, walk the middle path of wisdom, generosity, humility, and control.

Not all good paths look the same. Every person is created differently. As Chassidic masters taught: כְּשֵׁם שֶׁפָּנִים שׁוֹנוֹת – דֵּעוֹת שׁוֹנוֹת. Just as faces differ, so do life paths. Respect legitimate differences in Avodas Hashem.

More than what’s permitted — ask what is fitting. Like Aharon HaKohen, even if something is technically allowed, the deeper question is: “הֲיִיטַב בְּעֵינֵי ה׳?” – Will it be good in Hashem’s eyes?

The ultimate derech yesharah: A path that is refined inwardly and admired outwardly — one that reflects both personal sincerity and communal dignity.

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爵 Reflection

This Mishnah doesn’t just teach halacha — it teaches how to live.

It’s not enough to “follow the rules.” You must also ask:

> ❓ Is this who I want to be?
❓ Is this the kind of Yid Hashem wants me to be?
❓ Would someone else say: That’s a person I respect — and that’s a Torah Jew?

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 Live Upright. Walk with Dignity. Serve with Truth.

> “כָּל שֶׁהִיא תִפְאֶרֶת לְעוֹשֶׂיהָ וְתִפְאֶרֶת לוֹ מִן הָאָדָם.”
A path that brings inner beauty and earns outer respect.

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 Pirkei Avos – timeless truths in a few words. Let it guide your day.