Best-selling author RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL provides the first modern
commentary ever written on the Babylonian Talmud's Tractate Derek
Eretz Zuta, contextualizing archaic references and bringing its
timeless wisdom to life in accessible, contemporary language.
Our sages revealed the path for living at peace with others and
taught how to:
-cultivate mindfulness
-stay centered in times of stress
-let go of negativity
-increase self-esteem
-bring out the best in others
-maintain harmony in relationships
-deal with difficult people
-live in serenity, knowing that above all else, ''Great is
Peace."
Two of the many important maxims in Derek Eretz Zuta:
"If others speak evil of you let the greatest thing seem
unimportant in your eyes; but if you have spoken evil of others,
let the least word seem important."
"If you have done much good let it seem little in your eyes, and
say: 'Not on my own have I done this, but through the good which
has come to me through others'; but let a small kindness done to
you appear great."
Chapter Ten, known as "the Chapter on Peace," was considered to
be so important by our rabbis that they wanted to make it a
tractate of Talmud by itself. One of God's holy names is Shalom.
Derek Eretz Zuta teaches us to "love peace and pursue peace."
"People are hungry for civility. More than ever this is a time
for civility. Love is the key to many of our problems. I will not
let anyone occupy my heart with hate. It is not what someone calls
you, but what you answer to." - "Donna Brazile, Vice-Chairwoman,
Democratic National Committee."
At once a history lesson and guide to interpersonal ethics,
Great is Peace is an eye-opening, life-affirming resource for
anyone who asks "What does Judaism have to offer in the 21st
century?" Our great sages understood what many today have forgotten
- that each of us can heal and repair the world - one person, one
interaction at a time. Each of us can be a vessel of our prayers
and hopes for shalom, peace. Each of us can live happy, joyous and
free, even when the world seems to be an upside-down place.
Here is what others are saying about Great is Peace:
"Rabbi Arthur Segal has taken a little known Talmudic Tractate
on a very important subject: treating our fellow man correctly. He
has dissected it with his erudite ability to help us understand how
the sages of the past intended us to behave toward one another.
Rabbi Segal is a outstanding teacher of Talmud-Torah and his
insight into this subject is greatly appreciated. I continue to
look forward to reading more of his writings and highly recommend
this book to you."
-"Rabbi Gershon Steinberg-Caudill"
"Rabbi Arthur Segal's Commentary on Derek Eretz Zuta is an
extraordinary collection of Jewish teachings and observations on
ways to refine ourselves towards greater holiness and healthiness.
Leading us to align ourselves with quality character attributes
through personal development (Mussar), this text is a valuable
source for study. It is a gift for those who aspire to
mitzvah-centered living, rather than self-centered living, not by
being self-less, rather by cultivating self as a vessel for the
light of Torah."
-"Rabbi Goldie Milgram, Executive Vice-President,
ReclaimingJudaism.org"
Along with Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal's other 4 best-selling titles,
Great is Peace is text worth studying and cherishing. It deserves a
place in your library of meaningful books.