Finding Love in Times of Hate
Hi, this is Simon Jacobson, and we continue our journey, the 60-day journey, second part of a series: Finding Love in Times of Hate.
This program is dedicated in honor of our hostages, our brave soldiers, and those we have lost—a memory of the fallen, and with deep gratitude for the courageous soldiers fighting to protect and save our beloved Israel.
The Essence of Hatred
Hatred—a toxic word, a horrible word, a word that divides us, that separates us, that creates so much pain. When you look around, it seems that there is a lot of hatred: countries at war, people attacking others, whether it’s physical or verbal. As a Jew, I speak from the heart about anti-Semitism—irrational hatred.
But for full accuracy, we must acknowledge that there is also a tremendous amount of love in the world. Each of us can identify beautiful acts of nobility, selflessness, and virtue. Yet, we are here to address the darker side: the hatred. Is there hope? Can we find love in times of hate? What can we do about it personally?
Understanding the Root of Hatred
The root of all divisiveness, of all dissonance—which manifests in hatred—is what Kabbalistic terminology calls the Tzimtzum, the concealment. Imagine a cosmic Big Bang where we are all part of one organism. Not only every human being on this Earth but every fiber of existence, every cell, is interconnected.
In this interconnected world, diversity does not mean divisiveness; it does not mean hatred. Diversity is essential for a healthy organism. Think of a musical composition with many notes, or a piece of art with various colors. The beauty lies in the harmony within the diversity.
So why is there divisiveness? Why is there hatred? It comes from a lack of awareness of our inherent unity. In Kabbalistic terms, the Tzimtzum is the concealment that blinds us from seeing our integral connection. When the spirit dominates over matter, we see ourselves as united, and love prevails.
The Path to Love
The essence of love is recognizing the unity that lies beneath the surface of our superficial lives. We may look different culturally, religiously, racially, but beneath the surface, we are all part of one larger reality. Even in disagreements, we can learn from each other.
To find love in times of hate, we must dig deeper than the hatred. We must find something in common, something that transcends our differences. This requires a spiritual take, seeing the spirit of things beyond the sensory tools that perceive us as separate.
Practical Steps to Access Deeper Love
- Cognitive Conditioning: Immerse yourself in study. Read something transcendent, say a prayer, or sing a song to elevate your mind.
- Emotional Conditioning: Engage in activities that lift your spirits. Read poems, listen to music, or engage in discussions that inspire you.
- Behavioral Conditioning: Act kindly. Say something beautiful to someone, perform acts of kindness daily, and let these actions consistently shape your behavior.
By focusing on love, even towards those you already cherish, you can let that love spill over into areas where negativity may have taken root. This is not about eradicating hatred in one fell swoop but about dividing and conquering, bit by bit.
Conclusion
The journey to finding love in times of hate is about returning to our essence. The Hebrew word Teshuvah means "return," not just "repent." Return to the essence of who we are and who we all are—a larger unity manifesting in beautiful diversity.
May we be blessed to find that inner harmony within ourselves, and by extension, affect those around us and the entire world.
This has been Simon Jacobson with Meaningful Life Center. Please visit meaningfullife.com for more resources. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content, and share your thoughts and feedback with us. Be blessed, and continue the journey with us.
Watch the Full Series
Watch the complete series and join us on this journey: Finding Love in Times of Hate.
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