You Shall Not Hate Your Brother in Your Heart
A number of people once came to me, stating that they despised a specific Jew. Woe to the ears that hear such talk!
I immediately rebuked the speakers. “I am honestly astounded at how Hashem continues to shower you with kindness, when you display such animosity toward a fellow Jew, created in His image. You should know that when you hate a fellow Jew, you transgress a negative commandment in the Torah: ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart’ (Vayikra 19:17).
“How do you have the audacity,” I continued, “to recite Kriyat Shema, announcing your love for Hashem, when He prefaced love for one’s fellow Jew to love for Himself?!”
The men heard my words and remained silent. I continue to hope that they will regret their former attitude and come to love and respect each Jew as he deserves.
The Beit Hamikdash was destroyed on account of baseless hatred and has yet to be rebuilt.
