5755

If one were to translate this pasuk literally it would read, “If you listen gna ot, then ugna,, you will listen.” This interpretation communicates a different message which has great meaning. First, we must begin to listen, the rest will come later. One who refrains from beginning to listen obviously cannot continue listening.  A specific process guides mitzvah observance. We must take the first step and then build upon the foundation which we have created. All too often, people become overwhelmed by the magnitude of Torah and mitzvos. They are confounded by their inability to grasp the entire storehouse of…

Although the convert is included in the mitzvah to love all Jews, the Torah, nevertheless, stresses this mitzvah. The Sefer Ha’Chinuch infers that the extra warning adjuring us to love the ger applies in all areas of human relationship. The ger symbolizes the Jew who has no “protection,” no family pedigree, and probably very few friends. It is regrettably much easier to mistreat the ger than an ordinary Jew. Having cut himself off from his roots, he feels isolated in his quest for genuine acceptance and friendship. The Sefer Ha’Chinuch states that this mitzvah is broadened to include all strangers,…