What is Good?

Most people call something "good" when it goes their way. You got the job? Good. You closed the deal? Good. Things turned out the way you wanted? That must be good.

Even people doing harmful things call it "good" as long as it helps them win.

But deep down, we know better. Good isn't just what benefits us. It's what's right. It's what aligns with truth and connects to values that endure. And because of that, it lasts.

Bad, by contrast, may feel good, but it lacks permanence. It fades, and often leaves damage in its wake.

That's why our feelings can't be the final judge. Feelings are real, but they're not reliable. A child thinks candy before bed is good, it's what he wants. It tastes sweet.

We too are like children in the bigger picture of life. All of life is short relative to the reality that extends beyond our limited time and perspective. We mistake gratification for goodness.

This is a challenge of the human condition.

Jewish thought teaches that true goodness is anchored in a reality that transcends us. We access that goodness by aligning ourselves with what is objectively true and right.

And that's what we all crave, underneath.