Column for Las Cruces Bulletin - September 7, 2018

   In his book, The Ten Commandments of Character, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin presented a far-reaching prescription of values that can direct us to practice human decency towards one another. 

     Here are Rabbi Joseph Telushkin’s Ten Commandments of character: 

1. Know your weaknesses.
2. When ethics and other values conflict, choose ethics. 
3. Treat all people with kindness, and with the understanding that they, like you, are made “in God’s image.” 
4. Be fair.
5. Be courageous.
6. Be honest.
7. Be grateful.
8. Practice self-control. 
9. Exercise common sense. 
10. Admit when you have done wrong, seek forgiveness, and don’t rationalize bad behavior.

What can we learn from these “commandments”? 

    First, we all have limitations.   If we are faced with a wide range of tasks that require our attention, we can really only do one at a time.  If we are asked to do something that is not our strong suit, we can pass it along to someone else without feeling inadequate. 

   Second, ethics emerge from faith traditions, communal experience, and agreed-upon laws and standards for behavior.  Our challenge is to engage in the struggle of determining how we will act in the moment to make the proper choice. 

    Third, in a world of difference, we may forget what we hold in common.   As Maya Angelou stated in her poem, “Human Family,”  “I note the obvious differences between each sort and type, but we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”   Life calls on us to discover what unites us.  

     Fourth, we learn from early childhood to share and “play fair.”  Fairness requires equal treatment for all, yet we know that a “level playing field” is elusive in many arenas of human community.  We can begin by practicing fairness ourselves, hoping that it will spread to others. 

     Fifth, being courageous is difficult, but necessary.   There is a reading in my congregation’s prayerbook that states that God searches for us in different actions and decisions, including “in the No that is Really No, and the Yes that is really Yes.”   We should act based upon our own convictions, which can include compromise that is grounded in values we prize.  

    Sixth, honesty requires that we be truthful, and that we not sidestep actual facts. The biblical teaching “justice, justice shall you pursue” can guide our path.  It notes that we are running after (towards) truth and justice, and honesty can enable us to catch up. 

   Seventh, appreciating life can serve as a beginning for being grateful to those who have given us special support. Say “thank you” often.  Gratitude expressed will bring gifts and blessings back to you.

    Eighth, self-control relates to our public behaviors and the words we speak. We can try to be certain that whatever we do and say is helpful and healing to our corner of the world. 

    Ninth, perhaps the best way to learn common sense is to first thoughtfully consider how our actions will affect the people around us at any given moment.  

     Tenth, rationalizing bad behavior is a personal pardon we give ourselves that relieves us of the responsibility to admit what we have done wrong and to apologize.  Apology and forgiveness open the gates of healing in our relationships.  

      “Now” is good time to consider who we are and how we can shape our character to make a positive difference in the world.  May these and other teachings serve as our beacon and inspiration.