Afternoon Quote by Elie Wiesel
“One day - I remember it was a Sabbath afternoon - I came to the synagogue with a book in my hand. I saw a commentary on the Bible by a certain Rabbi Moshe Dessauer, better known as Moses Mendelssohn. An elderly man came up to me - I was then maybe 10 or 12. "What are you studying?" he said. "Dessauer's commentaries," I said. So he gave me a slap on my face.”
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Night Reflections, 1995
A childhood encounter at a synagogue leads to a harsh lesson about humility and the weight of tradition.
In simple terms: A boy is slapped after discussing a religious text, teaching respect.
Key Takeaway
Respect traditions and listen before speaking.
Themes
humility
religion
learning
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
didactic
personal
When to use this quote
- religious education
- family gatherings
- school lessons
Key Concepts
cultural rituals
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance respect with compassion?
- What role does discipline play in learning?
A Different Perspective
The slap could be seen as abusive rather than instructive.
![“I became one of [Moses Mendelssohn] defenders. But then I heard the words "Biblical criticism" again. And, of course, afterward, I studied it more closely.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd4/elie-wiesel-341_biblical_i-became-one-of-moses-mendelssohn-defend_468432.jpg)
![“I developed an anger at [Moses] Mendelssohn. Later, I read the book. I realized there was nothing subversive in it.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/133/elie-wiesel-341_anger_i-developed-an-anger-at-moses-mendelssoh_640846.jpg)
![“[Moses] Mendelssohn was a religious Jew. I felt sorry for him.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/823/elie-wiesel-341_felt_moses-mendelssohn-was-a-religious-jew-i_1164649.jpg)
![“[Chinese] are a huge empire now, you'll soon be - in a few years two billion people in the world. So, you should be more compassionate, more understanding. And above all, you don't need all their trouble.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/751/elie-wiesel-341_billions_chinese-are-a-huge-empire-now-you-ll-soo_28398.jpg)
