Numerous articles and books have been written about the subject of ahavas Yisrael. Significantly, on a number of occasions, the Rebbe distributed to the chassidim copies of the maamar Heichaltzu, a Chassidic discourse by Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneersohn of Lubavitch. This maamar has been translated into English by Sichos In English,1 and is an in-depth discussion of the spiritual origins of divisiveness and dissension.
Rabbi J. I. Schochet, in his three-volume book The Mystical Dimension: Volume III, Chassidic Dimensions, has a section on the “Dynamics of Ahavat Yisrael” in which he deals with the halachic and philosophical aspects of the subject.
In this volume, we present the reader with an adapted version of Kuntres Ahavas Yisrael, a collection of sayings and teachings about ahavas Yisrael first published in booklet form by Kehot Publications on the 15th of Elul 5736. Incorporated in this volume are related aphorisms, and the section on ahavas Yisrael printed in the encyclopedia of Chassidus, Sefer HaErchim Chabad. Particular attention has been paid in this volume to the subject of outreach and the proper manner in which ahavas Yisrael should be practiced towards non-observant Jews. The intention is clearly to clarify the approach of Chabad in this matter.
There is obvious overlap in content between this and previous works, but it is the hope of the publisher that the material presented in this volume in its concise form, together with copious footnotes, will be of benefit both to the scholar and the layman.
It is also our fervent hope that the study of the subject matter will enhance in a practical way the observance of this mitzvah which in turn will hasten the coming of Mashiach.
Acknowledgments
A warm word of gratitude to Rabbi Yonah Avtzon and Yosef Yitzchok Turner of Sichos In English for their loving attention to every detail, to Ms. R. C. Schilder for editing,and to my wife and children for their constant support and encouragement in our joint shlichus.
Rabbi Nissan Dovid Dubov
Wimbledon UK
18th Elul 5759