8867 —אהבת ישראל, אהבה עצמית בלתי תלויה, ותיקון לשנאת חינם

B"H, 5 Menachem Av, 5724.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby acknowledge receipt of your letter from 29 Tammuz and the previous one. Thank you for informing me regarding the packages and so on. Presumably you will continue to do so in the future as well—thank you in advance.

Regarding your comment about the special importance of the trait of Ahavas Yisrael: even among other nations—for example, an Englishman loves Englishmen—there is a fundamental difference. This is understood from the verse 'VeAhavta LeReiacha Kamocha' ("And you shall love your fellow as yourself"). Just as a person's love for himself is not dependent on seeing his own qualities—whether intellectual or emotional or in thought, speech, and action—and indeed, self-love covers over all faults; so too is the command regarding loving one's fellow: it should also be an intrinsic love not dependent on any factor or merit.

Based on this, we understand the question: how can one reach a level of loving another "as yourself"? The Alter Rebbe explains in Tanya chapter 32 that he begins by describing a level of loving another that is easier to attain—'for who knows their greatness and virtue,' etc.—but ultimately this too is a love dependent on merit. Therefore he adds further explanation: 'for they are all truly equal and have one Father,' etc., 'truly brothers.' See there.

This point receives special emphasis according to Chassidus, as explained in Sefer HaMitzvos by Admor HaTzemach Tzedek, mitzvah of Ahavas Yisrael chapter 2. See there.

It is fitting that this topic comes up at an appropriate time: we are now in Bein HaMetzarim (the Three Weeks) commemorating the destruction of the Second Temple which occurred because of baseless hatred. It is obvious that our being commanded to remember the destruction—especially during these days—is intended for rectification. For as we say in prayer: 'Because of our sins we were exiled from our land,' etc., and it is impossible to nullify the result except by nullifying its cause; any lessening or weakening in the cause brings lessening and weakening in its result—even if for now (as explained in Chassidus) it is only in higher worlds.

Since the main sin—as our Sages taught—was baseless hatred, its correction is through baseless love—that is, unconditional love not dependent on anything.

May it be G‑d's will that very soon we merit the end of our exile and true and complete redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu; may these days be transformed into joy and gladness.

With honor and blessing.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true Ahavas Yisrael means loving others unconditionally—not based on their merits—mirroring self-love. This selfless love corrects baseless hatred and brings redemption; especially during times commemorating destruction, we must focus on unity and unconditional care for others.