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Flame » in reply to re: And now, for something totally different...

Rabbi Hillel
Mary Anne — (archived)

I am reminded of the famous rabbi who once said (I paraphrase) "Do not do unto others what you would not have them do to you. That is the law, everything else is commentary."

The rest of the quote is, "Go and learn it." The anecdote of which this quote is the punch line goes thus: A Gentile offered to convert to Judaism if Rabbi Hillel could recite all of Jewish law while standing on one foot. He stood on one foot and said ...

The andecdote that I heard does not record whether the startled Gentile wiseass converted or not.

What I find heartening is that, among the most devoted, saintly and learned followers of any of the great religions, as well as among ethical and humane people who follow no religion, this is the core of their practice and the height of their aspiration.

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