In our "Low Self-Esteem Era," the verse "Love your fellow as yourself" may seem problematic to many who simply don't love themselves.
If I don't love myself and if I only see the (usually imaginary) negative in myself, how can I implement this all-important mitzvah? By loving my fellow like I love myself? Woe is me on such a love!
How can I share something I don't have? How can I accept another if I don't accept myself? How can I give you the benefit of the doubt if I don't grant it to myself? As the saying goes: "You can't give away a penny you don't have!" (Unless you're the government…)
It is clear that the mitzvah to love your fellow [as yourself] must begin with nurturing a true love and respect for yourself.
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, said that the prohibition against gossip includes gossiping about oneself. You may not talk badly about yourself! You may not even think that you are bad. No matter how negative and harmful your actions might be, it doesn't make you evil. Your soul is always intact with boundless goodness.
Don't ever let your wrongdoings tarnish your self-perspective. You are always a child of G‑d; you have a neshama; you are good. As the bumper sticker asserts: "I know I must be special because G‑d don't make no junk!"
Love yourself and love your fellow.
Here's a challenge:
1. Take a piece of paper and draw two columns. In the right-hand column write down ten of your positive attributes and on the left side write down ten negative characteristics.
2. Time yourself to see how long it takes to fill up each column.
3. Repeat until the right column wins.
Adapted from Chabad.org for this week's focus on Ahavat Yisroel as week 9 of 10 for our summer long #CONNECT10N campaign, "10 ways to own your Judaism".
Here is the replay of this week's class - WATCH
Friday, September 4, 7:30 PM: YJP Houston First Fridays on the Plaza - Limited seating, RSVP required.
Thursday, September 10, 7:30 PM: Ladies Virtual Honey Cake Bake - RSVP to get link and/or an ingredient kit!
Wednesday, September 16, 7:30 PM: YJP Houston Exclusive Tour of House of Cards at Discovery Green
High Holiday Services - Registration required
Rosh Hashanah: September 18-20
Yom Kippur: September 27-28
Sukkot: October 2-9
Simchat Torah: October 9-11
The first phase of the construction of the Uptown Plaza is almost complete! Can you help pay for it? www.chabaduptown.org/pavetheway
SHABBOS PARSHAS KI TEITZEI
Friday, Elul 8 - August 28
Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:30 pm
Evening Shema after 8:13 pm
Shabbos, Elul 9 - August 29
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Latest Morning Shema at 10:08 am
Mincha at 7:30 pm
Pirkei Avos, Chapter 1 & 2
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:23 pm
Living Torah #31 at www.70years.com
Sunday, Elul 9 - August 30
8:30 am Shacharis, followed by Elul Shofar sounding
VIRTUAL CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass
Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class
Wednesday
8 PM YJP CLASS
Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha