When the Baal Hatanya zy’a returned home after his first trip to spend time with the Magid of Mezheritch zy’a, he was asked what he had learned in Mezheritch. He answered that the Magid had taught him three explanations of the words of Chazal: ‘Kol Yisroel Areivim Zeh Lazeh.’
- The word ‘areiv’ means a ‘cosigner’. Every Jew is responsible for every other Jew and cosigns on his actions. If one Jew sins, every other Jew is held responsible. Therefore, everyone must rebuke his friend when he sees him doing something wrong and try to help him improve in ruchnius.
- The word ‘areiv’ can mean ‘sweetness’ (areivus). One must consider every Jew to be sweet and good, and to love him accordingly.
- The word ‘areiv’ can mean ‘a mixture’ (m’urev). One should be mixed in with his fellow Jews by being united and joined as one. One should not live in solitude. Rather, one should live in achdus amongst his brethren.