6039 - Ahavat Yisrael: Obligation and Understanding

Igros Kodesh of the Rebbe, Volume 16, Letter number 6039. Baruch Hashem, the 7th of Shevat, 5718, Brooklyn.
Shalom u’Vrachah.

The Rebbe begins by confirming receipt of your letter on the eve of the holy Shabbos, together with the enclosed pidyon nefesh (redemption-of-the-soul note), which he writes will be read at an auspicious time at the holy tziyun of his father-in-law, the Rebbe.

It appears that there may have been two students who wrote their letters at the same time. I am only suggesting this as a possibility—I have no way of knowing if this is actually the case—but perhaps in the yeshiva the spiritual mentor, the mashpia, advised the students, “You have certain issues; why don’t you write to the Rebbe?” It may be that they wrote together, which would explain the identical dates and the similar wording in the Rebbe’s responses. They also enclosed a pidyon nefesh, and the Rebbe notes that he will read it at the holy tziyun of his father-in-law, the Rebbe.

In this case, the student asks the following question: What advice can the Rebbe give in order to fulfill the mitzvah of “loving your fellow as yourself”?

The Rebbe responds with surprise: What kind of question is this? How can one ask for advice on how to fulfill “loving your fellow”? This is a mitzvah of the Torah. It is a clear commandment, stated explicitly as V’ahavta l’reacha kamocha. Not only that, but Rabbi Akiva teaches that this is a great principle of the Torah.

So what does it mean to ask for advice? This mitzvah is no different from any other mitzvah. It is not an optional or additional practice that requires special guidance. It is mandatory, a core mitzvah of the Torah, and an especially important one.

However, the Rebbe explains that if the student is asking for a rational explanation—how or why one should love one’s fellow as oneself—then there is guidance to study. The Rebbe refers him to study carefully, and with intensity, Chapter 32 of Tanya. There, the Alter Rebbe explains that in truth we are all one. Any differences between people come only from the body, while our souls are united. We are all children of Hashem, and our inner essence is truly one.

In addition, the Rebbe refers to the Sefer Taamei HaMitzvos of the Tzemach Tzedek, known as Derech Mitzvosecha, in the section dealing with the mitzvah of loving one’s fellow. The Rebbe notes that one will find there remarkable explanations showing just how far-reaching this mitzvah is.

The Rebbe concludes with a blessing, signed in the name of the Rebbe by the secretary.

In summary, the student asked how to fulfill the mitzvah of loving one’s fellow. The Rebbe explains that this is not a question of whether or how to fulfill it—it is an absolute obligation, like any other mitzvah, regardless of one’s feelings. However, if a person struggles emotionally and seeks understanding, the Rebbe directs him to Chapter 32 of Tanya and to Derech Mitzvosecha of the Tzemach Tzedek, in the section on Ahavat Yisrael.