The Reflection Of The Vigilance: Ethics And Decision Making

Luzzatto teaches us about a wide variety of lessons: decision making, self reflection, setting goals and priorities, as well has the positive results of studying ethics in one’s education. When one takes these lessons to heart, the will become a better, more ethical person. First, our class discussed Vigilance, decision making. The concept of Vigilance is that one must, “contemplate and survey his actions and his conduct, to see whether they are good or not, so not to risk the loss of his soul …” (Author 14). This essentially says that we must think before we act because if we don 't, we can make a detrimental mistake. There are two many takeaways, two significant lessons, from the entire Vigilance chapter. Never blindly do something; always be aware of your actions. Every choice someone makes can directly impact another person, so why not make it positive? A second lesson that I learned from this chapter is that when one analyzes their decisions, it takes effort. It is very easy to think about your actions, but only when you truly understand your actions and know if they’re action are good or bad, can

Alacrity is more focused around the negative aspect of commandments, the opposite of what Vigilance is centered around. Alacrity involves, “the swiftness on one’s approach to a mitzvah and its speed consummation” (Author 37). In order to achieve Alacrity, one has to speedy when completing a Mitzvah; you can not hesitate when completing a mitzvah. Not only does someone have to be fast when completing the mitzvah, they must do it with the mindset that they might not have an opportunity to do it later. The significant lesson that one can take away from the chapters about Alacrity is not to procrastinate. If every student can achieve Alacrity, they would turn assignments in quicker, and receive high grades. But, as we all know, especailly you Rabbi, many teenages do