In the past few months we have discussed Hitlamdut (learning stance), Behira Points (choice points), Anavah (humility) and Savlanut (patience). I asked that you try to practice these both by yourselves and with your family. How well do you think that this went with you and your families? Can I do anything to help you work better with these Middot?

In the spirit of mindfulness I would like to take the next few minutes to let you talk with your partner regarding your progress and then come back to the group. Each of you share a sentence or two regarding how you chose to manifest a middah of over the past few months. If you do not have a partner, let me know and we can find one for you. Regarding time, I suggest that each partner take one to two minutes each and when we come back to the group the same applies.

When your family is gathered together, say at dinner, discuss the middot of the month and ask what they have done to practice it. When you meet with your partner, either on the phone or in person, discuss events or happenings that caused you to think of, or put into practice, the middot. When discussing a family problem or talking about a decision that has to be made; bring up the middot and see if it applies to help with a possible solution.

 According to tradition Adonai created the world to give kindness and love to all creation.  Thus this constant outpouring of Chesed is what started and continues the world today.  As humans we too are creators and this is one of the most important ways that we imitate Adonai.  How do we create and build the world…through Chesed?  Each act of Chesed helps us to build the world.  How do you think that this works?

How do you feel when you do one of these things? Give an example of one thing that you have done to practice Chesed lately and how it made you feel. How do you think that practicing Chesed helps you build the world? What have you seen the temple do to practice Chesed in the past? Can you practice Chesed with yourself also?