When we were in Houston, we visited the Jewish Community Center gift shop. I bought a prayer book, Siddur Sim Shalom, one for myself and one for Teresa. This is what I learned about chesed from this book.
A disciple of Rabbi Johanan ben Zakkai was lamenting the destruction of the Temple and said: “Alas, for us! The place which atoned for the sins of the people of Israel through the ritual of animal sacrifice lies in ruins!” Then Rabbi ben Zakkai spoke these words of comfort: “Be not grieved, my son. There is another way of gaining atonement even though the Temple is destroyed. We must now gain atonement through deeds of loving-kindness.” For it is written, “Loving-kindness I desire, not sacrifice.” Hosea 6:6.
Rabbi Elazar said: Whoever does deeds of charity and justice is considered as having filled the world with loving-kindness. “He loves charity and justice; the earth is filled with the loving-kindness of the Lord.” Psalm 33:5
“She opens her mouth with wisdom and the Torah of loving-kindness is on her tongue” Proverbs 31:26. What does this mean? Is there a Torah of loving-kindness and a Torah that is not loving-kindness? Torah which is studied on its own merit is a Torah of loving-kindness, but Torah studied for an ulterior motive is not a Torah of loving-kindness. Furthermore, Torah which is studied to teach is a Torah of loving-kindness, whereas Torah which is not studied in order to teach is a Torah which is not of loving-kindness.
The Torah begins and ends with deeds of loving-kindness. In the beginning, it is written, “The Lord God made for Adam and Chava garments of skins and clothed them.” (Gen 3:21) In the end, it is written, “And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab.” (Due 34:6)
Deep is your love for us, Lord our God, boundless Your tender compassion. You taught our ancestors life giving laws. They trusted in You, our Father and King. For their sake graciously teach us. Father, merciful Father, show us mercy; grant us discernment and understanding. Then we will study Your Torah, heed its words, teach its precepts and follow its instruction, lovingly fulfilling all its teachings. Open our eyes to Your Torah, help our hearts cleave to Your mitzvot. Unite all our thoughts to love and revere You. Then shall we never be brought to shame. Trusting you awesome holiness, we will delight in Your deliverance. Bring us safely from the ends of the earth, and lead us in dignity to our holy land. You are the Source of deliverance. You have called us from peoples and tongues, constantly drawing us nearer to You, that we may lovingly offer you praise, proclaiming Your Oneness. Blessed are you, O Lord, our God, who loves His children.
Sandi
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