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Defining the Mitzva to Love

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Defining the Mitzva to Love

In practice, it is impossible for us to know every one of our broader Jewish family and to actively express our love for them all. Rather, love and a sense of responsibility towards others are manifested from the inner circle outwards: first to one’s spouse, then immediate family, friends and more distant family, acquaintances and neighbors, and so on. How then does “Love your fellow as yourself” apply to the entire Jewish people? We are meant to feel kinship with all Jews, and to want the best for each one of them just as we want the best for ourselves. That way, if we do come across a fellow Jew in trouble and we are able to help, we will do so, just as we would want to be helped if the situation were reversed.

Defining the Prohibition to Hate Defining the Prohibition to Hate Jews and Non-Jews The Inherent Worth of a Human Being Created in the Image of God The Interpersonal is the Gateway to God Providing Aid Returning Lost Objects Not Belittling People Honoring the Wise, the Elderly, and Community Leaders Human Dignity Not Hurting or Embarrassing Anyone Sensitivity to the Orphan, Widow, and Others Who Suffer Treatment of the Convert Including the Poor and Lonely in Our Celebrations Reprimanding When Offended Avoiding Revenge and Grudges Judging Favorably Rebuking for Bad Behavior Protest The Prohibition of Excessive Flattery Negative Speech, Slander, and Gossip The Severity of Negative Speech When Speaking Badly of Someone is Permitted Journalists and Lashon Ha-Ra Media as Watchdogs Dispute vs. Disagreement for the Sake of Heaven Making Amends Telling the Truth Deception Lying to Preserve the Peace Other Times When Lying Is Permissible Do Not Covet Gratitude Sharing in Joy and in Sorrow Speaking Kindly Greeting Being Sensitive Derekh Eretz Speaking Coarsely Hospitality (Hachnasat Orchim) Being a Good Neighbor Being Part of a Good Community