Monday, February 4, 2013

Giving to love

It has been said that the word Ahava comes from the (Aramaic) word, Hav, to give. This shows us that giving is loving. The more you care for someone and give them, the more you come to love them.

Obviously this is no different than any other case of Nifal Ha'adam Kefi Pe'ulosav. The Maharal explains the Maamar Chazal where Rav Simla'i says that the embryo lays folded like a pad. He says that this is to show us what a person is all about. A person is essentially a notenook whatever you write into it defines it. If you write acts of Sechel, you are a Secheldike person; if you write kind deeds you are a kind person.

Your actions don't only show the world your inside thoughts, they show them to you as well. Moreover, a person is fertile ground for many emotions and attitudes. You constantly stand at a crossroad with a choice of two attitudes. When you act out one of them you have chosen and solidified your view and approach.

This is why a Mitzva is supposed to consist of thought, verbal expression, and action. First realize what you are about to do, then express it and act on it.

As much as we like to think of ourselves as ironclad, our emotions and attitudes can be as easy as the flip of a coin. You can often just as easily love someone as hate them. When you think, 'I will give this person (that I love/respect/care for) something,' and then actually give it, you now think that way.

(Posted at http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ahavahav-but-why.)