The Bible In Four Words

Hillel, the revered Talmudic figure, was once queried by a Roman concerning Judaism. The Roman asked the Rabbi to teach him Judaism while standing on one foot.

Hillel told him “that which is hateful unto you, do not do unto your neighbor, that is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this- go and study. “

This reductionist story is perhaps the best lead to the assertion that it is possible to sum up the Hebrew Bible in four words. This summation, however, embraces the nuance of the English Language. The four words are: “Be fair, Be kind.”

With the four word, however, a lengthy explanation is indicated.

First, the word “fair” will be addressed. While fairness is tied in closely with the notion of justice, the word extends beyond mere legality. Fairness extends to the little things in life. For instance, while cutting in line may not be criminal or subject an individual to a civil lawsuit, is it fair? Likewise, the same could be made for a Teacher making sure that each student in their class receives a snack.

“Kind” is perhaps the trickiest of the word. Kindness involves various methodologies. It is possible to “kill someone with kindness.” Also, per the Rock Star Nick Lowe, one needs to be “cruel to be kind, in the right manner.” In a more practical sense, “kind”, in the best way, is to teach an individual how to fish rather than merely give them a fish. With one act, one has a meal, and in the other, one can feed themselves for the rest of their life.

“Be” is an action word. God’s name in the Hebrew Bible, referred to as the Tetragrammaton, has been interpreted as a word of action- “to be.” In essence, the name is about “making things happen.” An essential aspect to the Bible is activity. Neither fairness or kindness happen without action.

Finally, the fact that fairness and kindness must be both included is based upon the tension between the two. what is fair or just does not always translate into kindness. Likewise, kindness does not always translate into fairness. One’s moral conduct is often an attempt to strike the proper balance between the two. This balance is developed upon practice and study. It should be noted that within the Prophets there is the notion of acting with “justice and kindness.”

In sum, “Be fair, Be kind” brings us to the place upon which Hillel reached with his prospective student. Building out religious ideology from four words requires much work and understanding. In reality, this exercise suggests the importance of the second part of Hillel’s famous line. Judaism and the Hebrew Bible are, in a large part, the engagement of a lifetime of learning and study. From this post’s pespective, while “be fair, be kind” is a nice saying, it is the studying of the words that being meaning.

Be well!!

Please like, follow, share or comment.