DEUT542 From this comparative sketch of other ancient faiths, Judaism emerges ennobled. Opposed to Buddhist self-extinction on the one hand, and Hellenistic self-expansion on the other, Judaism strives for self-elevation under the uplifting power of a Holy God. The term which the Torah uses for moral conduct is significant: [this verse]; (Sifre Deuteronomy xlix.); a verse which the Rabbis explain thus: "As God is merciful and gracious, so be thou merciful and gracious; as God is righteous, so be thou righteous; as He is holy, so do thou strive in all ways to be holy." [Continued at [[EXOD158]] Exodus 12:23 home LEHRMAN 27-8]