A Soulful Journey

The High priest, or Kohen Gadol, wore special garments that are described in the Torah.  They are highly symbolic.  Two of them are: Hoshen Mishpat: This was a symbol of unyielding, stern dictate of law.  This was worn over the heart of the Kohen Gadol, the source of compassion and love. Tzitz: This symbolized forgiveness and compassion.  It was worn over the Kohen Gadol’s forehead, the source of reason and intelligence.  -Rabbi Seymour Siegel

Rabbi Amiel used to say, If a heathen were ever to approach me and ask me to teach him the whole Torah while standing on one foot, I would say to him, "The Lord wages war from generation to generation against the unjust.  This is the essence of Torah.  The rest is commentary.  Go study."  -Seymour Siegel quoting Hayim Rambani Contrast that statement with Hillel's comment, " That which is hateful to you, do not do unto others."

“An old teacher of mine was once asked, “What can a rabbi talk about week after week?” He replied, out of the depth of much experience, “If you don’t know what to talks about, speak about Jewish unity and Jewish education.” Jewish unity is like the weather; everybody talks about it but few do anything about it.” -Rabbi Seymour Siegel Words are more precious than gold.  It is vital that we use them with great care.  Never are they to be wasted.