This has been on our minds all week, since Charlie Hebdo and HyperCacher. Some students and I attempted to analyze the root of anger and hate, and why we consider it 'bad', in contrast to the emotion of love, which we unanimously agreed is 'good'.
Think about the kindest and most loving individual you have ever known. What is so unique about him/her that makes them stand apart? Try to encapsulate all of their goodness in one word... What would that word be?
One answer could be 'selflessness'. They (are very comfortable with themselves, yet, they) don't 'take up space'. They have no personal ego or agenda. They are powerful, direct and clear-headed, yet completely selfless, giving, and loving.
A student once complained to her teacher, "every morning, when I come into class, everyone gives me a hard time and they step all over me!"
The wise teacher responded, "if you wouldn't spread yourself out over the entire classroom, they wouldn't be stepping on you!"
Love and hate are exact opposites. People who are consumed with anger and hate (even if the feelings are justified), and certainly if they act upon those feelings, are simply consumed with themselves and with their space. It is painful to hear this, but in English, the word is 'selfish'.
Def. lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure.
So bearing grudges, holding resentment, anger and hate are inherently no good. We need to be models of love and giving! Goodness and kindness are the traits we should cultivate, and teach the entire world to be selfless instead of selfish.
Shabbat Shalom! We look forward to seeing you Friday evening at our home!!
Rabbi Mendy & Sara Alevsky
Upcoming events:
French-style Welcome Back Shabbat, Friday, 1/14 - 7:00 PM at Chabad. For directions and a map click here.
Pasta n' Parsha, Tuesday, 1/20 - 12:30 PM, Nord 201
