The Talmudic Tractates of Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah, (aka Derech Eretz Zuta, aka Derech Eretz Rabbah; Zuta is Aramaic for 'small', and Rabbah is 'large') are fascinating texts, many times over looked. The term derek eretz, literally means "the way of the land". The Tractates teach us how to behave so that we get along with others, even difficult people. The texts teach us how to limit our egos with dealing with others so that we do not step on the toes of others inviting retaliation.
"Derek eretz comes before Torah" (Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 9:3) – one cannot personify Torah until he demonstrates derek eretz in everything that he does.
Derek Eretz is not about Jewish ritual. It is about how we are to treat one another and what traits of character, middot, we are to try to develop. The lessons are universal and ecumenical. The development of character traits and Jewish spiritual renewal transformation is called Mussar. Derek Eretz teaches us decent, polite, respectful, thoughtful, and civilized behavior.
For the first time since these two Talmudic Tractates were written circa 1500 to 2000 years ago, a modern commentary has been written. We can see today in the media, on the streets, and even in our own Oneg Shabbats and synagogue board rooms, that proper decorum is sorely lacking.
The first time Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah were printed with other Tractates of Talmud was in the third Venetian edition (1546-1551). Because they were not compiled and edited until after the Talmud Bavli was closed (ca. 500 C.E.) they are considered 'minor' Tractates, mashechtot qutanot, along with Avot of Rabbi Natan and a few others. Derek Eretz appears in Seder Nezikin (Damages) after Tractate Avodah Zarah (Strange Worship) and Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers).
Here are two of the many important maxims in these two Tractates:
- "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 of my own have I done this, but of that good which has come to me through others'; but let a small kindness done to you appear great."
The chapter on Shalom is one of the entire Talmud's most joyous and hopeful to read. A sampling: "Seek peace, and pursue it," which means, seek peace at the place where you are, and if you do not find it, seek it in other places.'' Some Rabbis wanted to make this important chapter its own Tractate.
Beresheit, Genesis, tells us that "In the beginning, God created...". One may infer that God created only the beginning. How we humans choose to treat our fellows and the planet is up to each of us to decide, as God created us with bechira, free will. We can choose to live our lives with derek eretz, or we can allow our yetzer ha ra, the evil inclination, to lead us.
Rabbi Arthur Segal has dissected the verses in Talmud Bavli Tractates Derek Eretz Zuta and Rabbah, into an easy to read, easy to follow, four volume text, so that one can actually put this knowledge into every day practice use.
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Rabbi Arthur Segal
