Ahavat Yisrael — Love of One’s Fellow Jew
Hebrew: אַהֲבַת יִשְׂרָאֵל
Ahavat Yisrael (love of the Jewish people) is one of the most emphasized practical teachings in Chassidus, particularly in Chabad. It is not merely a positive feeling toward others but flows from the deepest metaphysical understanding of Jewish souls.
The Metaphysical Basis
The Alter Rebbe explains the Baal Shem Tov’s teaching: all Jewish souls share a single Divine root. They are like members of a single body — though they appear separate, at their source (the neshamah klalis, the collective soul) they are unified.
Therefore:
- Loving another Jew is not merely an ethical obligation — it is recognizing the truth of your own nature
- Harming another Jew is spiritually self-harm
- The love of Israel is a direct expression of the love of God, because God loves Israel
The Two Great Commandments
Rabbi Akiva taught: “Love your neighbor as yourself — this is the great principle of the Torah.”
The Baal Shem Tov deepened this: If you truly love God, you will automatically love what God loves — and God loves every Jew unconditionally. Therefore the test of genuine love of God is love of Israel.
Ahavat Yisrael in Chabad Practice
The Alter Rebbe institutionalized ahavat Yisrael as a foundation of Chassidic life:
- Preceding morning prayer with the declaration: “Behold, I take upon myself the positive commandment to love my neighbor as myself”
- Universal love — not only those similar to you but those who think differently, act differently
- The Chabad outreach mission — the Baal Shem Tov’s instruction to “spread your wellsprings outward” is rooted in ahavat Yisrael
The Rebbe’s Emphasis
The Lubavitcher Rebbe spoke about ahavat Yisrael constantly, teaching that:
- Before criticizing another Jew, one must first genuinely love them
- Even if you cannot find a way to love a specific person, you can love the Neshamah — the Divine soul within them
- The Jewish community’s unity is prerequisite for redemption (geulah)
Sources
- Tanya, Chapter 32 — the most famous passage on ahavat Yisrael
- Baal Shem Tov, Keter Shem Tov
- Alter Rebbe
- The Rebbe, many sichos