Jewish Values: Love your neighbor as yourself

by Rabbi Min Kantrowitz

February, 2025

Starting with this issue, each new edition of NMJJ will highlight one of the many Jewish values that guide our lives.  Each of these values underlies our Jewish community, regardless of any individuals’ religious observances or practices.  These values form the ethical structure of the community.  They are not presented in order of importance…all of them, together, weave a fabric of support, inspiration and hope for increased compassion and justice in our shared world.

1.  V'Ahavta l'reyecha c'mocha - Love your neighbor as yourself . This statement, from Leviticus 19:18, is a reminder of how all our lives are interrelated, not just in a passive way, but how we each have an opportunity and a responsibility to act on these connections.  What does ‘love’ mean in this context?  It’s not talking about romantic love, about erotic attraction or about some generic caring about other people.  It’s a reminder that all of us, created by the Force of Life, can use our lives to help and enhance the lives of others.  Doing so sharpens our empathy and strengthens our individual commitment to improving this world and leaving it better than we found it. All of us humans alive now are neighbors on this planet. How do we act as neighbors, even as loving neighbors? We acknowledge each other, with our divergent histories and priorities.  We recognize that our opinions about the same situations vary widely and, at the same time, allow us to honor our differences without resorting to argumentative rhetoric that supports violent speech or behavior.  We seek common ground and approaches to the challenges of living together on this shared planet that will lead to personal and communal growth, to stronger connection. Let us value and celebrate these connections.

Rabbi Min Kantrowitz