The Golden Rule of the Torah is most often stated as "love your neighbor as yourself."
However, an expanded version, as found in Leviticus 19:18, is: "love your neighbor as yourself, I am the Eternal." This is according to reformjudaism.org.
Understanding the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule, in essence, calls for empathy and compassion. It's a principle that encourages individuals to treat others as they would want to be treated.
Two Versions
| Version | Description | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Short Version | "Love your neighbor as yourself" | Religious or secular |
| Expanded Version | "Love your neighbor as yourself, I am the Eternal" | Religious only |
Practical Applications
The Golden Rule isn't just a theoretical concept; it has practical applications in daily life:
- Empathy: It requires us to put ourselves in others' shoes and understand their feelings.
- Kindness: Encourages us to act with kindness and consideration towards all people.
- Respect: Promotes respectful interactions, regardless of differences.
- Fairness: Motivates us to treat everyone fairly and justly.
Why the Expanded Version Matters
The inclusion of "I am the Eternal" in the expanded version adds a significant dimension. It connects the act of loving one's neighbor to a divine commandment and creates a framework for ethical behavior grounded in faith.
- Divine Connection: It suggests that loving your neighbor is not just a social obligation, but a religious one, aligning with the will of God.
- Motivation: It provides a deeper motivation to act with compassion, rooted in spiritual values.
In conclusion, whether you use the shorter or expanded version, the core message of the Golden Rule in the Torah is to treat others with the same love, respect, and consideration that you want for yourself.
