Notable Sources
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Love Your Neighbor as YourselfTANAKH
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
TANAKH
The Torah commands us to love our fellow as ourselves, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and unity. Leviticus 19:18 instructs us to avoid vengeance and grudges, grounding this ethical directive in the divine authority of God.
Transformative Power of Love and RepentanceCHASIDUT
Transformative Power of Love and Repentance
CHASIDUT
Repentance driven by profound love can transform even premeditated sins into virtues. The Tanya, a foundational text of Chabad Chasidism, delves into the mystical and ethical dimensions of repentance and love for God.
Songs of Love KABBALAH
Songs of Love
KABBALAH
The Zohar presents a unique perspective on showing love, explaining why King Solomon didn't have to play music. This foundational Kabbalistic text, traditionally attributed to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, delves into deep spiritual concepts and is a cornerstone of Jewish mysticism.
The Hidden Greatness of Love and FaithfulnessCOMMENTARY
The Hidden Greatness of Love and Faithfulness
COMMENTARY
True royalty lies in love and faithfulness, and greatness often exists where it is least expected. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' commentary on the Torah portion Vayeshev highlights the moral courage and significance of marginalized individuals in Jewish history.
Inspired by LoveREFERENCE
Inspired by Love
REFERENCE
Rachel's love and support inspired Akiba to pursue Torah study, leading him to become one of the greatest sages in Jewish history. Gershom Bader's biographical account highlights the inspirational story of Rabbi Akiba and Rachel, showcasing the impact of love and dedication.
Conditional vs. Unconditional LoveMISHNAH
Conditional vs. Unconditional Love
MISHNAH
Pirkei Avot distinguishes between conditional and unconditional love, using the examples of Amnon and Tamar for conditional love, and David and Jonathan for unconditional love. This tractate of the Mishnah, known for its ethical teachings, provides profound insights into the nature of love and relationships.
The Highest Form of LoveJEWISH THOUGHT
The Highest Form of Love
JEWISH THOUGHT
Understanding the different kinds of love can help us strive for the highest form of love, which is based on intrinsic goodness and is unchanging. Rabbi Joseph Albo, in his 15th-century philosophical work Sefer HaIkkarim, distinguishes between love of the good, the useful, and the agreeable.
A Bond of Loyalty and FriendshipSECOND TEMPLE
A Bond of Loyalty and Friendship
SECOND TEMPLE
The deep, emotional bond and mutual loyalty between two biblical figures highlight their profound friendship and the sorrow of their impending separation. Josephus, in his first-century historical work, provides a detailed account of Jewish history, including the touching story of this friendship.
Jacob's Strategic LoveMIDRASH
Jacob's Strategic Love
MIDRASH
Jacob's love for Rachel was not only deep but also strategic, as he took steps to ensure he married the person he truly loved despite potential deceit. The classical midrash Bereshit Rabbah delves into the story of Jacob and Rachel, highlighting themes of love, patience, and the challenges Jacob faced due to Laban's deceit.
The Poetry of LoveTANAKH
The Poetry of Love
TANAKH
The Song of Songs vividly captures the passionate and poetic nature of romantic love, set against the backdrop of a blooming natural world. This ancient biblical text, attributed to King Solomon, uses rich imagery and metaphor to describe the pursuit and union of two lovers, often interpreted as a metaphor for the relationship between God and Israel.
Love and Family HarmonyJEWISH THOUGHT
Love and Family Harmony
JEWISH THOUGHT
A man’s love and honor for his wife, and his guidance of his children, are essential for peace and harmony in the household. Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits, in What is the Talmud, presents opinions in the Talmud about the relationship between a husband and wife.
Love and Loyalty of a ServantTANAKH
Love and Loyalty of a Servant
TANAKH
A servant who has completed his term of service may choose to remain with his master out of genuine love and contentment. The book of Deuteronomy recounts Moses’ final speeches, including laws and reminders of key events, emphasizing faithfulness to God.
God's Eternal Love Through the ProphetsTARGUM
God's Eternal Love Through the Prophets
TARGUM
The prophets reveal God's eternal love for the forefathers, a cornerstone of Jewish faith and identity. Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Prophets, provides deep insights into Jewish thought and tradition.
Generational LoveTALMUD
Generational Love
TALMUD
The generational nature of love within a family can lead to complex emotional dynamics and preferences. The Gemara recounts a story where Rav Huna finds a fragrant date and passes it to his son Rabba, who then gives it to his own son, Abba, illustrating the folk saying that a father's love is for his sons, but a son's love is more for his own children.
Loving God with all One's HeartTANAKH
Loving God with all One's Heart
TANAKH
The Shema emphasizes loving God with all one's heart, soul, and might, and the importance of instilling this love in daily life and teaching it to one's children. This central declaration of faith in Judaism is recited during morning and evening prayers, underscoring the oneness of God and the commitment to His commandments.
Honoring Parents Through LoveMUSAR
Honoring Parents Through Love
MUSAR
Loving and honoring one's parents is a fundamental commandment in Judaism, deeply rooted in the Torah. The 15th-century ethical work, Orchot Tzadikim, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the efforts of parents in raising and educating their children in the ways of the Torah and Commandments.
Love and Comfort in MarriageTANAKH
Love and Comfort in Marriage
TANAKH
Isaac's love for Rebekah provided him with deep personal comfort after the loss of his mother, Sarah. The book of Genesis recounts the story of Isaac marrying Rebekah and finding solace in her love, highlighting the personal and comforting nature of love within the context of marriage.