'Love Your Neighbor As Yourself' in Daily Life

"Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"

"Love your neighbor as yourself" is a positive commandment from the Torah. Its source is in the book of Vayikra (19:18): "You shall not take vengeance nor bear a grudge against your fellow man. Love your neighbor as yourself: I am Hashem."

According to the basic meaning of the verse, a person is forbidden to seek revenge against members of his people, or to harbor resentment or wish them harm. He is expected to treat others as he, himself, would wish to be treated. Why does the Torah verse conclude with, "I am Hashem"?

The Ohr HaChaim, a great Torah Sage, explains the connection between this mitzvah and the expression "I am Hashem" as a description of the reciprocal relationship between the Jewish People and Hashem. "When people's hearts are joined as one, His blessed Name becomes unified, since all members of the Jewish People are branches of the name of Hashem, blessed be He, as it is written: 'For Hashem's portion is His people.'"

Rambam (Maimonides) rules:

"It is a commandment for every person to love each and every Jew as himself, as it is said: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Therefore, one should speak in praise of others and be careful with their property as one is careful with his own property, and wishes to be respected. And one who gains respect due to his fellow Jew being disgraced has no share in the World to Come."

(Mishneh Torah, Book of Knowledge, Laws of Dispositions, Chapter 6, Law 3)

Rambam also notes that there are mitzvot of Rabbinic origin in this area:

"The Rabbinical mitzvot include visiting the sick, comforting mourners, attending to the dead, accompanying the bride, escorting guests, and attending to all burial needs ... Also, gladdening a bride and groom and assisting them with all their needs. These are acts of kindness performed with one's body, which have no prescribed measure.

"Although all these mitzvot are Rabbinical, they are included in the Torah commandment: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

(Mishneh Torah, Book of Judges, Laws of Mourning, Chapter 14, Law 1)

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How should one fulfill this mitzvah in practice?

Start with those around you: Every day, choose one good deed that you will do for a family member or friend. It could be something as simple as giving a compliment, helping them with something they need assistance with, or even just asking how they are doing and truly listening to them when they reply.

Volunteer in the community: Dedicate an hour a week to volunteering at an organization that helps those in need, children with special needs, needy families, or sick people.

Ask for forgiveness and forgive others: If you had a disagreement or argument with someone, take the first step and ask for forgiveness while forgiving anyone who hurt or wronged you.

Help strangers: Whenever you see someone in need of help -- maybe they're lost, or need help carrying a heavy load -- don't wait to be asked and offer your assistance.

Spread goodness in the digital world: Send positive messages, compliment friends' posts, and support those who need encouragement.

Each and every act of love and kindness, however small, changes the world for the better. This is how we can transform ourselves and our communities into better places for all of us.