Torah Portion of the Week
Building Character through the Themes of the Weekly Torah Portion
The Golden Rule says that we should treat others the way we would want to be treated. The foundation of the Golden Rule is found in this Torah portion when it says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18). Right before this, we are taught not to take revenge or bear a grudge against others.
God instructs us to love one another. Love is not just a nice concept; it is an obligation. But how can we be commanded to love, especially when our mood, feelings, and circumstances fluctuate? Love is not a feeling that is contingent upon a mood or circumstance. Love is an action. Your feelings may not be consistent, but your actions can be.
The Hebrew word for “love” is ahava, and comes from the root hav which means to “give.” Love is an action of giving, not merely something that you “fall into.” It is about selfless acts of love that you do for another. It’s about being more concerned with what you can do for others than what they can do for you.
Acts of Love Cannot Be Mistaken
True love is unconditional and selfless. It loves people right where they’re at. If they need help, love them by helping them. If they need acceptance, love them by accepting them. True love loves people beyond their mistakes, shortcomings, or outward appearance. It considers what they are going through, what they might be worried about, what they are feeling, and how you can help them.
True love is brought forth by selfless acts of love between people. Every day we have many opportunities to express our love to others. Here are some examples:
Be empathetic. Smile at everyone you see. Call your parents and thank them for everything they’ve done for you. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Don’t embarrass others. Do something for someone without expecting anything at all in return.
There are many ways to put love into action. So reach out, love generously and unconditionally, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Pronunciation Guide for Transliterated Hebrew Words
a |
[a] as in arm |
ai |
[ai] as in Thailand |
e |
[e] as in red |
ei |
[ei] as in eight |
i |
[i] as in ski |
o |
[o] as in score |
oi |
[oi] as in oil |
u |
[u] as in rule |
ui |
[ui] as in gluing |
ch/kh |
[ch] as in the Scottish loch |
g |
[g] as in good (not as in giant) |
tz |
[ts] as in hats |
‘ |
short “eh” or “uh” sound |
The Hebrew Scriptures in this text have been derived from the Westminster Leningrad Codex (WLC), and the English translation is based off of the JPS 1917 Tanakh.
Simchat Torah Beit Midrash®
