History has it that Hillel the Elder (110 BCE-10 CE, renowned Jewish sage and scholar) was challenged by a group of Gentiles to recite the Torah in its entirety while they stood on one leg. They asserted that if he could do so, they would convert to Judaism. Hillel replied, "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn." ("What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. This is the law: all the rest is commentary." Talmud, Shabbat 31a.) The ethic of reciprocity is familiar to us as the "Golden Rule".
My words cannot sufficiently honor the meditation offered Sunday morning at the Center for Spiritual Living in Santa Fe. One truth stood out then, however, and it is with me this morning. From her meditation on blessing and blessings, there was palpable acknowledgement in the room when she reminded us that it is impossible to bless and judge at the same time. I am clear on that. And so it is.
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