Love Your Neighbor

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

:לֶשׁ הֵשֲׂע תַוְצִמ יַלָע לֵבַּקְמ יִניֵרֲה .ךוֹמָכּ ךֲעֵרְל ָתְּבַהאְָו I am accepting upon myself the Creator’s command: “Love your fellow as yourself.”

LEARNING

Rav Yitshak Luria, the famous 16th-century kabbalist, instructed adding this verse from the Torah11 as part of the morning blessings.12 He explained that the saying of this verse uplifts the impact of one’s prayer. He recommended that we envision all the people of Israel as one body and behave accordingly; for example, if a friend is in trouble, we share in their sorrow.

INSPIRATION

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, taught it was not enough to just think or reflect upon loving others, but instead one needs to speak the words out loud so that they affect our actions. He explained that just as a house is lifted from below (e.g., when raising it to redo its foundation), if we want to be uplifted, we’ll do well to uplift those who are at the bottom of our community. Just as parents get great joy when their children care for each other, so it is for the Creator.13

REFLECTION

How might this intention affect your prayer?

PERSONAL PRAYER

As I work to repair and better myself, give me the inspiration to inspire my neighbors as well. Give me the power to love myself enough so I can also open my heart to my neighbors, to deeply listen to their needs so I can help and uplift them. Give me the sight to see beyond my own needs and the strength to care, love, and respect those around me.

— Sharon Litwak

Los Angeles, California

11 Leviticus 19:18. 12Shulchan Aruch, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, and Minhagei HaArizal, Petura DeAbba, p.3b by Rabbi Chaim Vital. 13 January 2021, http://chabadpedia.co.il/index.php/(הליפת(_לבקמ_ ינירה.