Shai Held, President and Dean of Hadar Institute and acclaimed author, delves into the profound relationship between love and law in Judaism. He discusses how the Torah fosters community love and the joy in rituals. The conversation explores the complexity of divine love, contrasting Jewish and Christian views, and highlights personal experiences that challenge definitions of love. Alongside humorous banter about Jewish food and love songs, Held emphasizes community responsibility and the ethical implications of loving our neighbors and adversaries.
Rabbi Shai Held emphasizes that the commandments of the Torah are manifestations of love meant to guide a flourishing life.
The conversation highlights the importance of joy in observing commandments, framing them as expressions of love and pathways to fulfillment.
Held articulates a nuanced understanding of love in complex relationships, advocating for compassion while addressing the realities of justice and personal safety.
Deep dives
The Relationship Between Torah and Love
In Jewish thought, the connection between Torah and love is emphasized as complementary rather than oppositional. Rabbi Shai Held explains that Torah is understood as a manifestation of love, where the commandments are seen as guidance from God for living a flourishing life. This viewpoint rejects the dichotomy often presented in Christian contexts where law is pitted against grace. The idea is that loving commandments are designed to help individuals cultivate relationships and a community centered on mutual care and love.
Joy in Commandment
Held argues that the joy derived from observing commandments is a fundamental aspect of Jewish spirituality. He asserts that commandments are not burdensome but rather expressions of love and pathways to fulfillment. This joy is highlighted through the Jewish practice of expressing gratitude upon waking, linking gratitude to an obligation toward generosity and community care. This notion of joy in duty invites both Jews and Christians to reconsider their understanding of religious obligations as expressions of love.
The Complex Nature of Love Towards Others
In the discourse on love, the Jewish tradition illustrates a nuanced approach to how individuals relate to family, neighbors, and strangers. Held articulates that while there is an inherent obligation to love one's neighbor, this does not negate the requirement to care for outsiders and the vulnerable. Differences emerge when addressing complex relationships such as those with enemies or individuals who cause harm, where love may manifest as a desire for their redemption rather than personal warmth. This layered understanding prompts deeper reflection on who constitutes a neighbor and the nature of love in difficult relationships.
The Challenges of Loving Enemies
The concept of loving one's enemies is articulated as challenging and often misunderstood within both Jewish and Christian traditions. Held shares that while Jewish ethics emphasizes non-retaliation and compassion, it does not universally prescribe love for all, particularly for those who commit atrocities. This creates a philosophical tension where the call to love is counterbalanced by the realities of justice and personal safety. He suggests that a love rooted in the hope for an enemy's repentance may still fulfill a moral imperative, emphasizing intentions over actions in complex ethical landscapes.
The Role of Ritual in Expressing Love
Held posits that rituals within Judaism serve as vital expressions of love and community connection. He discusses how Jewish practices are not merely ceremonial but are deeply intertwined with the ethical mandate to care for others. For example, rituals that encourage sharing meals with the less fortunate during holidays are framed as acts of love that solidify communal bonds. Ultimately, Held asserts that rituals should embody love and allow individuals to see the importance of translating their ritual experiences into everyday acts of kindness and support.
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