Sensing the Suffering of Others
Ahavas Yisrael Means More Than “Not Fighting”
The same idea is true with regard to loving other Yidden. We know that in these days of המצרים בין, it especially important to work on our ahavas Yisrael, to rectify the חינם שנאת that brought about the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash.
Sometimes, a Yid will say, “How can I work on my ahavas Yisrael? What more can I do. I can honestly say that I don’t have arguments or disputes with anyone!” But ישראל אהבת, loving a fellow Yid, means much more than simply not arguing or fighting. One of the simplest illustrations of ahavas Yisrael is when we notice and think about what others are going through.
Sensing Suffering
We ask him, “Didn’t you know that this person is going through a very rough time?” He may say, “No, he never shared it with me.” This is understandable... maybe we’re not expected to know every detail of their lives. But why didn’t you sense that he’s suffering? Generally, if a person isn’t completely preoccupied with his own needs, it is easy to notice when others are suffering. We don’t need to hear or speak lashon hara and gossip for this; anyone with a Yiddishe heart can sense it.
This is how it works; sensitive Jewish hearts recognize the suffering of others. They may not know all the details, but they feel it, and they’re motivated to do something about it.
Every Yid Can Become Close
When a person notices others and pays attention to what they are feeling, he has already helped them in a big way. He has given them his heart. He empathized and commiserated... he felt along with their pain.
The same happens when a Yid thinks about the Ribbono shel Olam. He is automatically able to shed a tear during davening.... When he says תופיע מלכינו ממקומך, from Your place, our King, You will appear, he feels the לך אנחנו מחכים כי, for we wait for You. We so desperately await You! This person is here.... He is involved with the problem.
Many times, when people hear bad news, they won’t be overcome too much if it affects someone they don’t know. A close person will become affected. And so, a Yid who feels close to the Ribbono shel Olam must become moved when the Ribbono shel Olam is in pain. It hurts him personally.
Even a Small Thought Changes Our Feelings
Sadly, the Ribbono shel Olam gives us many opportunities to feel the pain of fellow Yidden. All this is a mirror to the great pain that the Ribbono shel Olam experiences every day, as it were.
A Yid can and must become close to Hashem and to His pain. We can build up our relationship with Him through reciting tehillim or davening—especially when we have in mind that we want to bring gladness and pleasure to the Shechinah. Through this, we will merit to feel the pain of the Shechinah. We will stop thinking so much about our own matters and successes, and instead begin thinking strongly about how we can bring joy and gladness to the Shechinah HaKedoshah.
