2 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Page 4 of 4

of the social constructions of masculinity; and literacy work.

Caring Presence (Gemilut Chasadim) with my fellow humans, a necessary component of true Tzedaka; and with the rest of creation, toward Tikkun Olambesides seeing this as a caring presence within the larger community (of Jews and non-Jews), I also think that Gemilut Chasadim includes a caring presence within one's family, with loved one's, friends, and strangers.

Recognizing and sharing our mutual humanity through Gemilut Chasadim must lead to Tzedakah and through Tzedakah there is hope to achieve Tikkun Olam. Studying Torah reveals to us the necessity of this. If we do this, the truth of Torah will be fully revealed to us in the World that Approaches. For myself, this is the central meaning of the Covenant, at the heart of the mitzvoth.

There are three lessons that serve me as proof-texts: Hillel, when asked to recite Torah while standing on one foot said do not do to others what is abhorrent for you to have others do; the most-often repeated mitzvah in Torah, to love the stranger in our midst; the statement about the Study of Torah above all other mitzvoth, for it leads to the rest. At the root of these three, the Call for Israel to listen: Ha'Shem Eloheinu, Ha'Shem echad (Hear O Israel, The Lord is G-d, G-d is One).

Learn more about this author, Michael Deqel.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Add your voice

Know something about The Principles of faith in Judaism?
We want to hear your view. Write now!