Gershon Wolf Poet Couplet

Dear Brother

A poor soul approached who was singing the blues
  He asked, 'What does God no longer want me to do?'

'What is hateful to you, do not do to others
  All the rest is commentary, my dear brother'

He said, 'I've never heard it that way before
  When you've time, I'd like to hear more'

Though I thanked the blues singer very much ~
  Hillel's words, not mine, his heart touched



_____________________________________
Hillel was a Talmudic Sage of the 1st Century 
BCE. On the brink of the Sabbath one late Fri-
day afternoon, a stranger asked him: 'Tell me
the Torah on one foot.' Hillel replied, 'What is
hateful to you do not do to others. All the rest
is commentary. Go and learn.' (Talmud, 
Shabbos 31a)

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Robert Gorelick February 6, 2022 at 2:15 PM Hillel like Jesus, a prophet. kindred spirits in words and deeds. Gershon Wolf February 6, 2022 at 8:30 PM Well, as great a scholar as he was, Hillel did not actually merit prophecy. Some say that he deserved to be a prophet, but that the shortcomings of his generation held him back... Thanks, Robert. Blessings and Bounty, Gershon

Valsa George February 4, 2022 at 7:57 PM I enjoy reading your poetry mostly packed with wisdom and a pinch of humor Gershon Wolf February 6, 2022 at 8:26 PM Your comment about 'a pinch of humor' draws a FAVE from me, Valsa. Thanks! ~ Sprinkle of Salt and Dash of Pepper

Charles Messina February 4, 2022 at 11:52 AM On one foot, in a nutshell...or even with one eye closed. That's it! Gershon Wolf February 6, 2022 at 8:19 PM How about with one hand tied behind his back and balancing on a roller skate? ... Hmm. Guess Hillel the Elder didn't know from roller skates, eh? Thanks, Charlie.

Harry Horsman February 4, 2022 at 12:16 AM Your poetry, is certainly a learning curve for me, Gershon. Thank you my friend. Gershon Wolf February 4, 2022 at 10:57 AM Thanks for letting me know that this poem has served an educational purpose, so to speak, Harry. Top of the weekend to you! ~ Gershon

Quoth Theraven February 3, 2022 at 8:39 PM Gershon, Such a sure-footed lesson in your poem 'Dear Brother'. -Richard Gershon Wolf February 4, 2022 at 10:56 AM 'Sure-footed' is something my poetry has never been called before. Thanks, Richard. ~ Inching along, gw

L Milton Hankins February 3, 2022 at 8:28 PM And, in my humble opinion, that's it in a nutshell! Thanks, gw. Gershon Wolf February 4, 2022 at 10:50 AM Whether 'on one foot' or 'in a nutshell,' that's it! Agreed. :) Gershon