A Moment in Time: Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Dear all,

Last Sunday, Ron and I were in the Valley when we drove by this bench. (Don’t worry, I was at the wheel, Ron took the photo). The message on the bench quoted the biblical verse, “V’ahavtah l’rei-echa c’mo-cha/ Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Lev. 19:18).

The verse reveals a value shared by many religions world over:

In ancient India:: treat others as you treat yourself.
Mohammed: As you would have people do to you, do to them.
Taoism Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.
Yukon Order of Pioneers (Canada): Do unto others as you would be done by…

Yes, the message is universal and simple.

And yet, we need reminders. Ron and I were lucky to see the bench, capturing a moment in time. But there are reminders everywhere when we see and do acts of kindness. And that’s where our lives can make a difference! How will you love your neighbor … today?

With love and shalom,

Rabbi Zach Shapiro