Empathy

Rabbi Aryeh Levine (1885-1969), was affectionately known as the Tzaddik of Jerusalem. There is a famous story about his wife having a foot infection. Rabbi Levine explained to the doctor: "Our foot is hurting us." He was famous for identifying and feeling another person's pain.

We live in a world of the “I generation” - I need, I want, I deserve, my rights, my needs. How often do we truly see those in front of us, and feel their pain?

In this week's Torah portion, Shemot (Names), we learn about how Moses saw the pain and suffering of his people. He felt their pain in his heart. Moses grew up with great privilege as an Egyptian Royal, yet Moses chose not to turn a blind eye. Instead, he felt the pain and suffering of his people.

By learning from figures like Moses and Rabbi Levine, we can strive to be "up-standers" rather than "bystanders" and use our inner light to positively impact the world around us.

Shabbat Shalom