This is a collection of 18 Jewish Quotes (+ One from the Dalai Lama) on Kindness.
The purpose of these quote collections is to share Jewish wisdom and give bite-size moments of inspiration in our busy, engaged lives.
When we think about the quality of kindness, we think about awareness of and consideration for others, friendliness and generosity. It’s easy to think that kindness is just being nice. But kindness is something deeper than niceness. Actively being kind means doing intentional, voluntary acts of kindness.
Our modern understanding of psychology frames voluntary acts of kindness as food for our body, mind and spirit. Helping others simultaneously benefits ourselves, and the empathy and compassion built-in to performing acts of kindness has positive effects on self-esteem and mood. Everyone benefits!
Key to kindness is not holding expectations of receiving anything in return. We might think of some people who seem to naturally embody this quality of being, but it is also simple to cultivate through intentional action.
Kindness is always an option, even in the most challenging situations. Bonus is, it is also free and simple, fantastic for our health and endlessly positive for everyone involved.
Before we head into the Jewish texts, I wanted to share a lovely quote on the topic of kindness from the Dalai Lama.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
— Dalai Lama
Gendered language
These original texts often use male-gendered language. We’ve preserved the original language out of respect to the text, but these quotes can easily be read with other gendered pronouns and reclaimed for one’s own story.
These quotes are from the following Jewish texts: The Tanakh, the Babylonian Talmud, the Palestinian Talmud, the Mishnah Torah, Avot de Rabbi Natan, Peninei Halacha, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, and Exodus Rabbah.
Sotah 14a
One of the recurrent themes is God’s kindness- He begins and ends His Torah with acts of kindness towards Man- providing clothing, and burying the dead.
Sukkah 49b
Acts of kindness are perceived to be better than charity- it is a more comprehensive type of giving.
Berachot 60b
We pray to be graced with God’s kindness and kindness from our fellow man every day
Shabbat 127a
The Talmud views acts of kindness as one of those rare deeds that a person profits from in this world and the World to Come
Sukkah 49b
The Talmud interprets Micah 6:8 as referring to acts of kindness, equating mercy with kindness.
Shabbat 104a
Kindness is more than doing good when the opportunity presents itself. It involves actively going out and pursuing opportunities to do good.
Berachot 8a
Acts of kindness are so powerful that they are compared to redemption
Misha Torah, Hilkhot Daot 5
Kindness is an essential part of being a scholar
Hagiga 12a
Kindness is one of the foundations of the world
Shabbat 127b
The Talmud seeks to define acts of loving kindness and includes in it hospitality and visiting the sick
Ketubot 66b
Kindness can help you save money
Avot De Rabbi Natan 34:8
Kindness is essential to life
Yerushalmi Peah Chapter 1:1:20
Even works of kindness are greater than charity
Penini Halacha Moadim 13:12:3
The primary purpose of the Torah is to encourage kindness
Acts of kindness are eternal
Acts of kindness stand at the foundation of the world
The daughter of Pharaoh’s act of kindness was so great that it is enshrined in Moses’s name
God’s kindness is eternal
Those who live a life of kindness are sheltered by God
Hope enjoyed these 18 Jewish Quotes (+ One from the Dalai Lama) on Kindness.
In the comments below, please add your favorite quote on kindness!
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