בס”ד
Knowing what G-d expects of us is one thing. How do we become people who naturally want to do what is right?
Six questions that move from self-awareness to character development, with practical examples that everyone can relate to.
- What does your first reaction reveal about your character?
Think of a recent situation in which you were frustrated, disappointed, criticized, or treated unfairly. What was your immediate reaction? What might that reaction tell you about your habitual way of responding to life?
- Can a good character trait become a bad one?
Consider generosity, patience, confidence, humility, or kindness. Can you think of a situation in which having too much of a seemingly good trait—or expressing it in the wrong circumstances—could cause harm?
- Which character trait has served you particularly well in life?
Think of a quality that has helped you overcome difficulties, build relationships, or accomplish something worthwhile. How did you develop that quality? Was it something that came naturally, or something you had to work on?
- Are we responsible for feelings we didn’t choose to have?
We don’t necessarily choose to feel angry, jealous, afraid, or resentful. But what responsibility do we have for what happens after those feelings arise? Can we change not only our behavior, but eventually our emotional responses?
- What is the difference between doing the right thing and being a good person?
Someone might obey every law, avoid harming others, and fulfill all their formal obligations. Is that enough to make someone a good person? What additional qualities would you hope to find in someone you genuinely admire?
- If you could improve one character trait, which would make the greatest difference in your life?
Why that particular trait? In what situations does it become most important? What would improvement actually look like—not as an abstract ideal, but in something you do differently this coming week?
Shabbat Shalom
By Rabbi Tani Burton
More shiurim of Rabbi Tani Burton
© Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further.
Our blogs may contain text/quotes/references/links that include copyright material of Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.org, and/or AskNoah.org, which we use in accordance with their policies.