Iran’s Attack on Israel
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What's love got to Jew with it?
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, prompting us to embark on a quest to understand the timeless mystery of love. In this edition of JEW KNOW IT, we delve into the multifaceted concept of love, exploring its definition and influence from a Jewish perspective.
Judaism uniquely defines love as the emotional pleasure experienced when one identifies virtue in another human being. The depth of this emotion is contingent on how one perceives the virtues of the other person. Love, according to Jewish teachings, is a commandment, emphasizing that individuals have the power to choose to love others by focusing on their virtues. In essence, feelings of love are a direct result of one's thoughts. To attain love, one must concentrate on another person's virtues – the positive aspects of their character. The more intimately one knows and understands someone's virtues, the stronger and deeper their love becomes.
Western culture amalgamates various ideologies, including Jewish, Pagan, and Greek influences. The Greek notion of love, epitomized by Cupid, suggests that love "just happens" after being struck by an arrow. This concept has permeated Western culture, fostering the belief that love is spontaneous and cannot be cultivated. In contrast, Judaism teaches that love is rooted in a profound understanding of a person's virtues, emphasizing that love can be defined and developed through conscious effort.
While the Jewish concept of love centers around focusing on virtues, it doesn't exclude the romantic aspect. The Torah illustrates the deep love and connection between individuals, such as Adam and Eve or Jacob and Rachel, highlighting the sacrifices made for the sake of love.
The Torah also intertwines the commandments of "Don’t Bear a Grudge" and "Don’t Take Revenge" with "Love Your Neighbor." This juxtaposition reveals a secret about love – it thrives on focusing on the positive. Avoiding revenge and grudges prevents dwelling on negativity, allowing one to focus on another person's positive qualities. In essence, love is actively "focusing on the positive," a continuous effort to see virtue and goodness in others. Love, as Judaism teaches, is not a fall but a deliberate growth process.
In this episode of JEW KNOW IT, we've explored the intricacies of love from a Jewish perspective, challenging prevalent Western notions influenced by Greek ideologies. Love, as defined by Judaism, is an active and intentional choice to focus on the positive aspects of others. As we approach Valentine’s Day, let's embrace the idea that love is not merely a fleeting emotion but a conscious effort to grow in understanding and appreciation of the virtues in those we hold dear.
