Bein Adam Le-chavero Part 1: Ethics of Interpersonal Conduct

By Yosef Ben Dovid

In this series, I aim to analyze the Torah's interpersonal directives and develop the ethical principles that Judaism attempts to instill within us. Before we begin, let me try to put things in proper perspective. How significant is this study? At first glance, the uniqueness of Judaism lies in its distinct set of laws, primarily focusing on one's relationship with God. Though there are certainly obligations one has to one's fellow Jew, they seemingly pale in comparison to developing a true understanding of one's responsibilities to the Almighty. Should we really invest so much time and effort analyzing interpersonal imperatives instead of focusing on ritual requirements between man and the Creator? We have to be mindful of the fact that the entire spectrum of mitzvot is important, and therefore all mitzvot deserve study, even those which seem to be less significant. As the Mishna (Avot 2:1) teaches, "One should be as scrupulous in performing a minor mitzva as a major one, for one does not know the respective reward given for mitzvot." All mitzvot are divinely ordained and therefore important. They combine to refine each individual and perfect one's personality. The Zohar (I, 170b) explains that the 248 positive commandments and 365 negative commandments in the Torah correlate to the 248 limbs and 365 sinews of the human body. Every mitzva relates to an essential aspect of the human body, and therefore all are necessary. One cannot choose favorites or which mitzvot to keep and which to forgo.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1072506734
• ISBN13: 9781072506737
• Release Date: June 2019
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"