Top 30 Jewish Quotes - Chabad.org
From Scripture
1. I have set before you life and death ... and you shall choose life.1
The Torah lays out the principle of free choice and urges us to choose well.
2. The L‑rd sees into the heart.2
G‑d reminds the Prophet Samuel to always look beyond superficialities.
King David assures us that nothing happens by chance.
4. A righteous person falls down seven times and gets up.4
It is not the fall that counts, but how you respond to it.
From the Mishnah
5. If I am not for myself, who is for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?5
The great sage Hillel’s psychological tongue-twister teaches us not to rely on others, remain selfless, and seize the moment.
6. Study is not the most important thing, but actions.6
This holds true in life, as well as with Torah and mitzvahs.
7. Who is wise? The one who learns from all people … Who is mighty? The one who subdues the evil inclination … Who is rich? The one who rejoices in his portion …. Who is honored? The one who honors other human beings ….7
This Mishnah reveals the true meaning of success in different areas of life.
8. Look not at the flask but at what is therein; there may be a new flask full of old wine, and an old flask wherein is not even new wine.8
The original “don't judge a book by its cover.”
From the Talmud
9. Either a friend, or death.9
The value of a friend cannot be overstated—literally.
10. A thief standing at the entrance of the tunnel calls out to G‑d.10
This truth is interpreted both as “there are no atheists in foxholes” and as a reminder that just because you believe in G‑d doesn’t mean you are automatically virtuous.
11. A prisoner cannot free himself.11
Another analysis of the human condition. Don’t assume that someone stuck in a bad situation will figure it out on their own. Rather you be the one to step in to assist them.
12. If a person says I have worked hard but have not found [success], don’t believe him. [If a person says] I have not exerted myself, and I have found [success], don’t believe him. [If he says] I gave it my all and I have found [success], believe him!12
Putting in no effort never leads to real success. Putting in effort always does.
13. Wherever Israel went into exile, the Divine Presence (Shechinah) went with them … and when Israel is redeemed in the future, the Shechinah will be redeemed with them.13
G‑d accompanies us even in the hardest times.
From the Midrash
14. The salvation of G‑d is like the blink of an eye.14
A reminder to have faith even in the most difficult situations.
15. All beginnings are difficult.15
A reassurance that it’ll get better soon. Just stick with it. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
16. He who denies the goodness of his fellow is destined to deny the goodness of G‑d.16
Our relations with our fellow and our relations with G‑d are more interconnected than you think.
From the Zohar
17. A person cannot know the taste of sweetness until he tastes bitterness.17
Struggle and difficulty help a person discover their true depths.
18. A male without a female is considered half a body.18
The deeper significance of marriage: two halves of a single soul reunite.
From Medieval Sages
19. Words that come from the heart, enter the heart.19
Be true to yourself, and you will positively influence those around you.
20. A little bit of light can dispel much darkness.20
The power of good eclipses that of evil.
21. If I were to sell candles, the sun would never set. If I dealt in burial shrouds, no one would ever die.21
An ironic complaint about life’s difficulties.
22. The judgments of the Torah do not bring vengeance to the world, but rather bring mercy, kindness and peace to the world.22
G‑d’s Torah is good—good for the person and good for the world.
23. Truth is only discerned through its opposite.23
True knowledge of something is only possible if you know its antithesis.
From the Chassidic Masters
24. Everything is by Divine Providence. If a leaf is turned over by a breeze, it is only because this has been specifically ordained by G‑d to serve a particular function within the purpose of creation.24
The Baal Shem Tov’s revolutionary take on Divine Providence: every occurrence in the universe, down to the subatomic level, is ordained by G‑d.
25. Your fellow is your mirror. If your own face is clean, so will be the image you perceive. But should you look upon your fellow and see a blemish, it is your own imperfection that you are encountering.25
It’s not about the other person; it’s about you. The reason you perceive a blemish is to reveal what you yourself need to work on.
26. This is what man is all about; the purpose of creation … to make a dwelling for G‑d in the physical world.26
Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the first Rebbe of Chabad, addresses the existential question: Why do we even exist in this world?
27. The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the most important thing is not to be afraid at all.27
Life is difficult, but the biggest challenge is overcoming the fear.
28. There is nothing more complete than a broken heart, and there is nothing more upright than a crooked ladder.28
The act of self-improvement is, in itself, a beautiful ideal.
29. Joy breaks all barriers.29
Joy can accomplish what nothing else can.
30. If you know aleph, teach aleph.30
The Rebbe's imperative is to teach and spread Judaism regardless of one's spiritual standing or level of knowledge.
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