Good Deeds
R. Eliezer B. Jacob said: He who performs one precept acquires for himself
one advocate, and he who commits one transgression acquires for himself
one accuser. Repentance and good deeds are as a shield against calamity.
-Pirkei Avot 4:13
Commentary: Every life is a mixture of good times and hard times.
In addition to the crises that come without warning, there are also crises
which everyone must face at particular ages; for example, becoming an adult,
reaching middle age, or becoming an elder. My own experience has been that
the type of life we lead when times are good helps determine the quality
of our life when times are difficult. If we have treated people well, then
they will come to our aid when we need help. If we have lived a moral life,
then we will still find a source of inner comfort during those dark nights
of the soul.
