Traditional proverbs of Israel in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.
אם אין אני לי, מי לי? וכשאני לעצמי, מה אני? ואם לא עכשיו, אימתי?
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”
Balance self-reliance with responsibility toward others, and never delay doing what is right.
Source: Hillel the Elder, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 1:14, Mishnah, c. 200 CE
איזהו חכם? הלומד מכל אדם
“Who is wise? He who learns from every person.”
True wisdom comes from remaining humble and open to learning from anyone.
Source: Ben Zoma, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 4:1, Mishnah, c. 200 CE
איזהו עשיר? השמח בחלקו
“Who is rich? He who is happy with his portion.”
Real wealth is contentment with what one already has.
Source: Ben Zoma, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 4:1, Mishnah, c. 200 CE
איזהו גיבור? הכובש את יצרו
“Who is mighty? He who conquers his own impulse.”
The greatest strength is mastery over one's own desires and temper.
Source: Ben Zoma, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 4:1, Mishnah, c. 200 CE
אמור מעט ועשה הרבה
“Say little and do much.”
Let deeds outweigh words; act more than you promise.
Source: Shammai, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 1:15, Mishnah, c. 200 CE
במקום שאין אנשים, השתדל להיות איש
“In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.”
Where no one takes responsibility or does what is right, step forward and lead.
Source: Hillel the Elder, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 2:5, Mishnah, c. 200 CE
אל תדין את חברך עד שתגיע למקומו
“Do not judge your fellow until you have reached his place.”
Withhold judgment of others until you have stood in their situation.
Source: Hillel the Elder, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 2:4, Mishnah, c. 200 CE
כל העולם כולו גשר צר מאוד, והעיקר לא לפחד כלל
“The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the main thing is to have no fear at all.”
Life is precarious, but the essential task is to move forward without being paralyzed by fear.
Source: Attributed to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810), Hasidic tradition; popularized as a modern Israeli song
גם זו לטובה
“This too is for the good.”
Even apparent misfortune may ultimately turn out for the best, so accept it with faith.
Source: Attributed to Nachum Ish Gamzu, Babylonian Talmud, Taanit 21a
מעט מן האור דוחה הרבה מן החושך
“A little light dispels much darkness.”
Even a small act of goodness can overcome a great deal of hardship.
Source: Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, Tanya (Likutei Amarim), ch. 12 (1797), Hasidic/Chabad tradition