B"H
Wednesday, Iyar 3, 5776 / May 11, 2016 – HAKHEL YEAR
One of the most famous mitzvot, which is preached universally, is in this week’s Parsha, Kedoshim. The mitzvah of, “Love your fellow as [you love] yourself. I am your G-d.”
Q.Why does the Torah add, “Like yourself” and “I am your G-d”?
A.It is common practice that one doesn’t like someone who is in the same trade and is competitive with them. One may feel that the other person will take away some of their business etc. Thus, it is natural that there will not be much love between them. The Torah commands us here that even someone who is “like yourself,” in the same line of work or business as you, you must love. The reason: Because, “I am your G-d.” Everything comes from G-d. What is destined for a person, no one can take away. G-d has enough for everyone and provides for everyone.
The following explains the words, I am your G-d, in a different way.
There were once two very close and dedicated friends. They would give away everything for each other. Once, one of them was accused falsely of committing a crime. False witnesses were brought and he was sentenced to be hanged. The friend did everything possible to save his friend, but to no avail.
The day finally came and he was led to the gallows to be hung. The friend ran there and came as they were ready to execute the sentence. “HALT! STOP!” He screamed. “You are hanging an innocent man. It was I who committed this crime,” he exclaimed. “You should be hanging me instead!”
The friend, who was going to be hanged, said, “Don’t believe him. He is saying it only to save my life, but it’s not true... I am the one who committed the crime…”
The judges, were now confused. They didn’t want to kill an innocent man, but they also didn’t know who was telling the truth. So they decided to bring the case before the king.
The king requested that the two friends be brought before him. He asked them to tell him the truth. He promised to let them both free, if they told the truth.
The two friends told the king that neither of them committed the crime. But being such close friends in heart and soul, each of them admitted to a crime which they didn’t do, in order to save the other.
The king was so impressed with their friendship and dedication to each other. He exclaimed, “With such dedicated friends, I too want to be part of your friendship.” This is why G-d said, “Love your fellow as yourself,” and then, “I am your G-d.” – “I, too, will share in your friendship and love.”
Today is YOM HAZIKARON – Remembrance Day. Today, we remember and bond with the memories of the fallen soldiers of the IDF, while protecting G-d’s Holy nation and Holy Land. We also salute the State of Israel – Eretz Israel - The holiest place on earth. May we merit the coming of Moshiach. Amen.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY