JEWISH HOME LA

Dear Readers,

We all know the importance of Ahavas Yisroel, loving our fellow Yid. We also know that the Torah doesn’t allow us to keep grudges and act upon them.

The reality is that there are people we naturally get along with and there are those whose nature doesn’t click well with our own. There are relationships that bring out the best in both people and there are relationships that bring out competitiveness.

For practical questions a Rav should be consulted, but for conversational purposes perhaps we can say that the Torah doesn’t allow us to take revenge or take action based on a feeling of hate for another. Yet that doesn’t mean that the Mishnah’s directive “you shall acquire a friend” applies to everyone we meet.

We accept that there are friendships which bring a positive outcome and those that don’t. The Chiddush of the Torah is that even with those who don’t we need to have a love for their Neshama and practically help out when called upon.

All of this is easier said than done but perhaps this will be the Avoda which will bring about bias Moshiach tzidkeinu ub’karov mamosh.

Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos,

Shalom