Question: Moral norms are constantly changing. For example, chauvinism and Nazism have been replaced by tolerance; a tolerant attitude toward sexual and national minorities. Or, if earlier on, divorce had been considered something shameful, today it can even be honorable since it is believed that one may gain independence and so on.
Are there any principles that should remain constant regardless of the culture of society and the passing of time?
Answer: Yes. These are principles of correct interaction between people, when they form a single community in which everyone feels like an integral part of the overall interaction. They discover their perfect, eternal state within it. They must live in this feeling. This is the goal of their development.
Question: Could you list a few principles that should not be changed regardless of human development, culture, and the passing of time?
Answer: There is only one such principle: “love your neighbor as yourself.” Nothing else. In practice, only this principle leads us to the creation and maintenance of the system of our interconnection within which we reveal eternal and perfect life.
This is why we must realize this principle among us by getting together in tens and in small groups. This is already the practice of practical Kabbalah, how to draw the special energy called the upper light that can bring us closer to each other, explain why we are opposite to each other, and help us learn how to rise above this opposition.
Initially, we all are disconnected because we have gone through the so-called split. Now, we must achieve rapprochement with each other. In the difference between connection and disconnection, we will begin to feel ourselves as existing in the eternal flow of life.
Comment: It turns out to be a paradox. If you were to go out now and ask people if they follow the principle “love your neighbor,” almost everyone would say that they do.
My Response: So, it is necessary to explain to people what we mean by the words, “love your neighbor as yourself” and why this principle is given to us in the Torah, as well as why everyone flaunts that he can fulfill it, but in fact no one observes it, etc.
Question: Do you think that all other moral principles are based upon this principle?
Answer: All of them are just a particular case of love your neighbor.
Question: Does it turn out that if I follow this principle, I will offer my seat to others on public transportation and will help people out for free?
Answer: Proceeding from this, you will always be kind toward others and will never be able to do any harm to your neighbor. After all, if you love a person, how can you harm him?
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From KabTV’s “Communication Skills” 10/9/20
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