DEVELOPING THE EMOTION OF LOVE

Dear Family,

I hope that everyone is well.

Wishing a refuah shleimah for Yechezkiel ben Ester.

Mazal Tov to Shlomo Vogel on his upcoming birthday next week. Wishing you to have a year of much achievement and happiness Shlomo, and to continue giving your parents much nachas!

There are a number of yohrtzeits this week:

We wish Mommy long life on the yohrtzeit of her father, Pepe. He saw his wealth as his children and grandchildren, and I am sure that he is getting much joy to see how everyone is developing BH. His neshamah should have an Aliyah.

Towards the end of the week is the yohrtzeit of Dov Hyman. Thinking of you Leslie and wishing you long life. I have fond memories of Dov and his Family, and wishing his neshamah to have an Aliyah.

Tonight is also the yohrtzeit of a dear friend of ours, Shimon Pilsner, who spent many Shabbosim with us. His neshamah should have an Aliyah.

In Chapter 2 (2:1,2) of Rambam's Mishneh Torah ( Foundations of Torah in the Book of Knowledge), which we learnt this week, are the 2 Mitzvos, To love Hashem, and To fear Hashem.

This brings up the obvious question of how can one be commanded to love, which is an emotion (and similarly with fear)? Either one loves someone or something, or one does not. It does not seem to be within our control?

And the Rambam answers this as follows:

"What is the Path to attain Love and Fear of Hashem?

When a person will CONTEMPLATE on His great and wonderous deeds and His amazing Creation, and appreciate His Infinite Wisdom that surpasses all comparison, he will immediately love, praise and glorify Him.

And there will be a yearning with tremendous desire, to know "Mi sheamar vehaya haolam" - "He who spoke, and brought the world into being."

And when one continues to reflect on these matters, he will immediately recoil in awe and fear, to see how he is just a tiny, lowly and dark creature, standing with a flimsy and limited mind, in front of He who is of Perfect Knowledge."

(Rambam then goes on to explain important principles regarding the deeds of Hashem which will help us develop a better understanding when we contemplate, in trying to develop our love. The above is just the introduction)

This is not the Rambam's words, but it follows that this technique will also work to develop, or cultivate, a love for ones fellow, through contemplation!

Wishing everyone a Good and Happy Shabbos in the Happy month of Adar.