Leviticus Rabbah 9:3
ויקרא רבה (וילנא) פרשת צו פרשה ט
קדמה דרך ארץ את התורה
The commandment of derech eretz [good manners] preceded the Torah. [Translation by Areyvut]

Suggested Discussion Questions:

1. What is derech eretz? What does it mean that it precedes the Torah?

2. How would you translate this text into a standard of ethical conduct?

Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)