Pri Etz Chaim

Ari Clark, Rabbinic Intern Parshat Acharei MotKedoshim All Im Asking is for a Little Respect
Its the flagship of Judaism, but its the most lofty of goals. It sounds nice, but it happens rarely, if at all. Its a great tagline, but is can it really become a motto for life? In the second of the two parshiyot we read this week, Rabbi Akivas great rule of , thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, appears. Immediately, the commentators ask: How can a person truly love another as he loves himself? We know it doesnt mean he has to give his life for another, as other sources indicate that one must protect his own life over others when both are in danger. What does the Torah truly want us to accomplish? Commentaries, therefore, posit more nuanced explanations to sharpen the command towards a more clear and attainable goal. The Ibn Ezra emphasizes the in , which means to love to your friend. He therefore explains that one is supposed to love the good that can be given to your friend as much as the good that can be given towards yourself. In choosing to do good, the Ibn Ezra explains, the two recipients (oneself and another) should be equal in ones eyes. The Ramban tries to address the more emotional side, saying ones appreciation of a person should be complete and unabashed. Instead of loving someone for their wisdom or wealth, he says, I believe the most important explanation, however, stems from a similar statement that is found in the Talmud in Tractate Shabbos 31a: On another occasion it happened that a certain heathen came before Shammai and said to him, Make me a proselyte, on condition that you teach me the whole Torah while I stand on one foot. Thereupon he repulsed him with the builder's cubit which was in his hand. When he went before Hillel, he said to him, What is hateful to you, do not to your neighbor: that is the whole Torah, while the rest is the commentary thereof; go and learn it. The Torah Temimah, in answering our question, says the removal of the negative is the most effective way to reach the positive. While a person cannot naturally love another more than himself, he can remove all avenues of disdain towards him. Hillel believes that if one can ensure his actions will contain no negativity, they will eventually contain a level of positivity. In translating this idea to our modern day, the requirement of loving ones fellow man like himself is simple: giving respect. I do not believe everyone has to be friends with everyone else. Such a lofty goal would arguably dilute the idea of true friendship and possibly force people to compromise on their core values. But too often, we dont allow for a middle ground between friendship and disdain. If someone is not a friend, they become part of the people we dont like, usually due to some slight imperfection on which we focus our negative perspective. The lesson of the Torah, however, attacks this exact reaction. Everybody in our society deserves our initial respect; with a cordial relationship, they can earn even more. No one claims to be perfect, and no one requires friendship with every individual. Through giving respect, one can create an understanding. Through creating understanding, one can perhaps reach a slight friendship. And who knows perhaps in time, the Jewish people as a whole can turn this lofty goal into a motto for life.