An important feature of good characterization in a novel is that the characters are dimensionalized and are not all of one piece. Human beings, as Singer noted, have contradictions.

~ Joseph Telushkin

Joseph Telushkin Fiction Jewish Fiction

Whoever cannot survive without taking charity, such as an old, sick, or greatly suffering individual, but who stubbornly refuses to accept aid, is guilty of murdering himself…yet one who needs charity but postpones taking it and lives in deprivation so as to not trouble the community, shall live to provide for others. —Rabbi Joseph Karo (1488–1575), Shulkhan Arukh (The Code of Jewish Law), Yoreh Deah 255:2

~ Joseph Telushkin

Joseph Telushkin Accepting Help Charity Deprivation Jewish Jewish Law Poverty Pride Shulkhan Arukh Stubbornness Suffering Wealth

Rabbi Hiyya advised his wife, “When a poor man comes to the door, be quick to give him food so that the same may be done to your children.” She exclaimed, “You are cursing our children [with the suggestion that they may become beggars].” But Rabbi Hiyya replied, “There is a wheel which revolves in this world.” —Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 151b

~ Joseph Telushkin

Joseph Telushkin Altruism Cycle Of Life Generosity Income Inequality Jewish Poverty Talmud What Goes Around Comes Around

In general, it should be noted, biblical law is evolutionary, not revolutionary...

~ Joseph Telushkin

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