Ibn Ezra explains that the reason we are obligated to love our fellow Jew is because we recognize that we were both created by the same Maker. Hence the verse, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” concludes with the words, “I am G-d” (Vayikra 19:18) — our love of our fellow man is inextricably linked with our relationship with Hashem. However, what happens when one of our fellow Jews undermines his relationship with Hashem by sinning?

The Brisker Rav once claimed about a sinner who professed love for the Jewish people, “Perhaps he does love the Jewish people. But for sure he hates the Creator.” This tells us something about the sinner. It does not tell us, however, what our response to the sinner should be. Should we love someone who does not show love to Hashem, our ultimate Beloved? And if we do not love the sinner, should we go further and hate him?

Please click here to continue reading Chapter XII: Loving and Hating All in One.

Please click here to purchase a copy of the Laws of Outreach.

 

Please refer to the archives below for the previously published chapters of the Laws of Outreach:

Preface to The Laws of Outreach

Chapter I: The Mitzvos of Kiruv

Chapter II: Kiruv as a Rescue Mission

Chapter III: Categories of Transgressors and Our Obligations Toward Them

Chapter IV:  Contemporary Non-Observant Jews

Chapter V: Halachic Applications of Tinokos Shenishbu in our Time

Chapter VI: Lifnei Iver

Chapter VII: Invitations for Shabbos

Chapter VIII: Kiruv Through Food

Chapter IX: Marriage

Chapter X: Teaching Torah

Chapter XI: Male – Female Interactions

 

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OlamiResources.com is honored to present free to the Olami Community and beyond, Rabbi Avraham Edelstein’s new landmark sefer, The Laws of Outreach. We are featuring the sefer to the readership of OlamiResources.com in downloadable installments over the next few months. We are greatly appreciative that Rabbi Edelstein has kindly offered to share this important publication, including extensive Hebrew footnotes, with rabbis, educators and mekarvim worldwide. Please click here to purchase a copy of the Laws of Outreach.

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