Has this ever happened to you?

Someone who deeply hurt you many years ago wants to reconnect and make amends, but you're not sure if you're ready to turn the page... How should you react? What would be the right thing for that person to do before deserving your forgiveness?

Your neighbor is throwing a graduation party and asks if she can use your driveway for parking since you'll be away on vacation. You're not so comfortable with the idea but don't have any concrete issues to raise. You want to say no... what should you do?

A relative is acting foolishly and getting himself in deep trouble. You're not so close to him, and it's more convenient to turn a blind eye... but should you do something about it? Should you insert yourself in his private affairs at the risk of coming across as nosy?

An old business partner owes you a lot of money and has come on hard times. But he refuses to get a job and make money because he knows he will have to start repaying his hefty debt. It is so frustrating... can we force him to get a job?

You forgot to bring lunch to work, and you're really hungry. Your co-worker who is out of town has food in the office fridge. Can you take the food making a mental note to replenish the food item, assuming your co-worker will be cool about it? Plus, the best-by date is just a few days away...

Have any of these ever happened to you? These are just some of the moral dilemmas we face in our day-to-day civil and social lives.

Of course, you can ask a lawyer and find out what the law says is within your rights and obligations. 

BUT...

When you explore these issues in Jewish law, you don't just end up with dry and bland law. You encounter a deep and rich world of values, ethical principles, and a highly nuanced understanding of the human condition. It inspires and compels us to think deeper and differently.

I want to invite you to join me for a fascinating new course starting this week for a plunge into the world of Talmudic thinking and Judaic law. You will find a system of law with a heart, and learn a timeless set of values that you will be able to bring along with you every day of your life.

And before I forget - the course is FREE (yes that right: Free) for YJP.

But you need to let me know before the course begins on Wednesday.

So rsvp now by emailing me back and saying - "I'm in"

The course is titled Beyond Right, and it starts this week, in person and on Zoom. You can find all the info here: www.yjpaustin.org

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Looking forward to a wonderful, exciting, and meaningful course together!

Rabbi Mendy Levertov