Photo Credit: AlephBeta.org
We all know the maxim from this week’s parsha, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But how do I do that? As it turns out, the Torah points a way. In this week’s video, Rabbi Fohrman gives us the context for this directive, and helps us find the building blocks for true love.
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interesting interpretation. how else do you hate?- with one’s foot?!— no it is always with the heart. The Torah is clear on not hating. you can “be angry but do not sin”- cling to what is good/ abhor evil (works)
James Taylor
I found love next to a jew and he left me…i still love him.
Im gonna put my cards on the table rabbi:) great post!
Scripture says "as yourself". Not "as you would have them love you", or "in return as they love you". Not "as if they were you" nor "as you expect they will reciprocate". It is simply put.
Consider yourself and your neighbor to both be Adam, or Abraham, or Jacob. Are they not both fathers to many and yet one, in the eyes of Hashem? To truly love your neighbor is to truly love yourself, and your people, and your nation, and Hashem. It is an unconditional love. As you require correction, so may you admonish them. And so may they correct you. This is still perfect love.
To me, "hatred" is a VERY strong word. I reserve "hate" for people like Hitler and his ilk, not "every day people" who are human and make mistakes, and that, of course, includes myself. I think the rabbi is using the word "hate" too liberally; if people annoy you for various reasons, is that a reason to hate them? I think not.
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