Life is a passing shadow, says the Scripture. Is it the shadow of a tower or a tree? A shadow which prevails for a while? No. It is the shadow of a bird in its flight—away flies the bird, and there is neither bird nor shadow.
Man's passions at first are like a cobweb's thread, at last become like the thickest cable.
Were it not for the existence of passions no one would build a house, marry a wife, beget children, or do any work.
There is not a single bird more persecuted than the dove, yet God has chosen her to be offered upon the altar. The bull is hunted by the lion, the sheep by the wolf, the goat by the tiger. And God said: "Bring me a sacrifice, not from those that persecute, but from them that are persecuted."
Prayer is Israel's only weapon, a weapon inherited from his fathers, a weapon tried in a thousand battles.
When the righteous die, they live; for their example lives.
Let the fruit pray for the welfare of the leaf.
Meat without salt is fit only for the dogs.
Trust not thyself until the day of thy death.