the Maharsha, a great 16th century scholar says that a dog is a creature of love. Hence, the Hebrew name for a dog is kelev which is etymologically derived from the words kulo lev or all heart. caf like lamed vet -the heart If the Torah had not been given we could have learnt modesty from the cat, honesty from the ant, chastity from the dove, and good manners from the rooster. (Talmud, Eiruvin 100b)< an idea stated by Rabbi Yochanan. Perhaps we can learn from a dog the power of devotion, loyalty or even having a positive attitude. :) .....Animals can serve as our teachers. There are God-given qualities inherent in the instinctual habits and mannerisms of the animals around us that can actually serve to inspire humans to achieve greater heights of spiritual fulfillment. For example, the very first law in the Code of Jewish Laws is, Rabbi Yehuda ben Taima said, Be as bold as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer and strong as a lion to do the will of your Father in Heaven (Avos 5:20). Poignantly, this is placed as the first law in a book of Jewish legalities. I will conclude with a teaching about mans best friend, the dog. The notable sixteenth century Jewish leader, the Maharsha, says that a dog is a creature of love. Hence, the Hebrew name for a dog is kelev which is etymologically derived from the words kulo lev or all heart (Rabbi Shmuel Eidels, Chidushei Aggadot, Sanhedrin 97a).
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:08:40 +0000
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