An All Encompassing Love
When two Jewish people meet for the first time, usually a sense of nostalgia fills the air. Something tells us that, somehow, we know each other. This is not merely a sentiment but a reality! The Zohar teaches us that each Jewish soul contains a spark of every other Jewish person. In this light, all the souls of Klal Yisrael are interrelated, like one great family.
Lesson: The Mitzvah to "Love your friend as you love yourself," rests on the principle that every other person is really part of you. Therefore, it is appropriate to love him, just as you naturally love yourself.
App: Wish good things for your friend and be happy for the good blessings that come his way. Let his honor be as dear to you as your own --- because he is actually part of you!
(Based on Tomer Devorah of Rabenu Moshe Cordevaro, Chapter One)
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