GEN1062 From the practice in Abraham’s house he had learned to look out for strangers.   Rashi Genesis Rabbah 50:4   SEFERIA.ORG  

SHOW FULL EXCERPT

GEN1063 See [[GEN804]] Genesis 13:10 before GREENBERG 55-56

SHOW FULL EXCERPT

GEN1064 See [[GEN816]] Genesis 14:13 dwelling SINAI3 17-8

SHOW FULL EXCERPT

GEN1066 Rashi [commentary on this verse] explains that they wanted the men for homosexual purposes, based on the previous uses of the verb “knowing” in the Torah as being associated with the sexual act. Genesis 4:1.   This was apparently common practice in that society, and hence this is the origin of the term “sodomy.”   All of these Torah examples [i.e., Potiphar bought Joseph for homosexual purposes Sotah 13b; commentaries of Genesis 6:12 RE each species “corrupted its way;” Noah’s grandson, Canaan, committed sin with him while Noah was drunk Genesis 9:22-24] have in common the fact that homosexual activity was common in these cultures and that God disapproved.   Consequently, some of these societies were eventually destroyed.  This, once again, shows that Jews may not engage in such activity and imitate the mores of these foreign societies.  AMEMEI 140

SHOW FULL EXCERPT

GEN1065 Many have struggled with a way to deal with prohibitions … against lesbian activity and particularly those against gay male sexual engagement. [Some] posit that the prohibition is against rape and humiliation, since the idea of two men coming together for a loving, long-term partnership may have been unheard of in the Ancient Near East, and evidence exists –the Sodom story in Genesis 19:1-14, for example—of homosexual intercourse used as a form of dominance. (By Barry J. Leff, "Jewish Business Ethics") OXFORD 393

SHOW FULL EXCERPT

GEN1068 Peer pressure seems to be a very powerful force in our society, causing people to alter their intended actions and behavior. … Lot was affected by the peer pressure of that evil place. … The Talmud Baba Kamma 92b …. unequivocally proves [from various Bible situations] that he who associates with unsavory characters will become unsavory and he who associates with pure individuals will, in turn, eventually become pure.   Thus, the effect of peer pressure is clear. AMEMEI 214-5

SHOW FULL EXCERPT

GEN1067 It is necessary to study in order to know how to act ethically: “An ignoramus cannot be a saintly person” Ethics of the Fathers 2:5.   We need not only to have good intentions but to know the right thing to do.  The Torah describes Lot, Abraham’s nephew, as a generous host who invites two strangers (unbeknownst to him, they re angels) to his home as guests.   … Obviously, the spiritually unaware Lot believed that [offering his daughters to the mob in place of his guests] was what hospitality to one’s guests demanded of him.  TELVOL1:510

SHOW FULL EXCERPT

GEN1069 Sympathy and tenderness are by the saint not confined to the human species.   They extend also to dumb creation. Thus we read in the Little Book of Saints, “Refrain of my kindness and my mercy from nothing which the Holy One, blessed be He, created in this world. Never beat or inflict pain on any animal, beast, bird or insect; nor throw stones at a dog or a cat; nor kill flies or wasps.” Indeed, men will be punished who will make his animal carry larger burdens that it is able to bear. In connection with this, we read the story of a man who was cruel to his dog. The dog, however, sought refuge under the robes of the sage. When the man approached the dog with the purpose of beating him, the sage protested with the words, “Since this dog sought my protection, you shall not touch it,” and applied to him [this verse].  AGUS 290

SHOW FULL EXCERPT

GEN1070 In how many ways should a person hold himself to an accounting before God? I say that there are a multitude of ways in which to make such an accounting. Of these, I will point out thirty. They can clarify to a person what he owes God, if he will bring them to mind and undertake to reflect on them and remember them always. Contemplating man's plight as a stranger in this world. … 30. To complete the thirty ways: A person should make an accounting with himself of the conditions incumbent upon a stranger in this world and should regard his position in it as similar to that of a stranger arriving in a foreign land. [The stranger] knows no one in the city that he has come to, nor does anyone know him. The ruler of the city, however, pities him in his plight as a stranger and teaches him how to rectify his situation there. He provides him with daily bread and commands him not to disobey his word or violate his command. He promises him reward and threatens him with punishment, as befits the time and the place. He warns him that one day he will have to leave, but does not tell him when. Among the conditions incumbent upon [the stranger] are humility and lowliness, surrender of pride, and renunciation of arrogance and haughtiness. As it says of [the stranger’s] situation: “This one came to reside as a stranger, and now he would be a judge!” (Bereshis 19:9). Further, [conditions] are that he be ready to move on and relocate, and not feel settled and secure. As it says, “The land cannot be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for to Me you are strangers and temporary residents” (Vayikra 25:23). Further is [that condition] that he study the laws and statutes of the land and the duties he owes the king. As David, peace be upon him, said: “I am a stranger in the land; do not hide Your commandments from me” (Tehillim 119:19). Further [conditions incumbent upon a stranger] are that he love other strangers like himself, help them, and assist them, as it is written: “You must love the stranger” (Devarim 10:19); “The stranger who resides among you must be to you as the native born among you, and you shall love him like yourself” (Vayikra 19:34).

SHOW FULL EXCERPT

GEN1071 See [[GEN1039]] Genesis 18:25 justly SPERO 24

SHOW FULL EXCERPT