2. Not Hating Your Fellow

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchot Bein Adam L’Chaveiro

1. The Torah prohibits every individual from hating other Jews “in one’s heart” (Vayikra 19:17). Some understand this to mean that one should not hate them at all, while others understand this to mean that one only may not hate them or bear a grudge silently (Rambam, Sefer Hamitzvot, Negative Mitzvot 302), but one who verbalizes their feelings does not violate this prohibition (though one may still violate other prohibitions). One should comply with both opinions (Sefer Halichot Bein Adam L’ chaveiro, ch.1).

2. One violates this prohibition when one hates another person to the extent that one of the following occurs (Sefer Halichot Bein Adam L’chaveiro, ch.1): 1) One does not speak with the person for three days out of animosity (Ahavat Chesed, ch.2)  2) One desires that bad things befall the person (Responsa of Maharshal 33) 3) One rejoices at the person’s downfall (Rema, Yoreh Deah 335:2). One who observes that another person appears to hate them to such a degree should consider the reason for this and attempt to apologize or discuss the issue with the person if needed (see Rambam, Hilchot Deot 6:5-6).