The Secret to Loving Every Person + 2 Daily Halachot for the Month of Av

"How can a person come to love every human being?

I will teach you the way: Help others with both your body and your possessions, according to your ability.

Helping with your body means serving others whether rich or poor, and making an effort on their behalf.

Helping with your possessions means lending money to the wealthy when they need it, lending to the poor in times of hardship, giving charity according to your means, and from time to time even sending gifts to those who are well off. Be generous with what is yours.

When conducting business with others, let all your dealings be honest, and do not become upset over trivial matters. Always seek to benefit others, rather than seeking to benefit from them.

Let your words always be gentle. If someone embarrasses you, do not embarrass him in return. If someone deceives you, do not deceive him. Bear the burdens of life patiently, but do not burden others. Do not quarrel with anyone, and greet every person with joy and a pleasant countenance, for a warm smile strengthens love.

Always seek the good of your fellow. Comfort those who are saddened or distressed. If someone entrusts you with a secret, never reveal it — even if that person later angers you.

Do not speak negatively about anyone, nor listen to others speak negatively about them. Whenever possible, judge people favorably, and be especially careful in this regard. In this way, you will become beloved by all.

Honor every person through your actions and your words. Never act arrogantly toward anyone; instead, be humble before all people. And in everything you do, let your intention be for the sake of Heaven."

(Orchot Tzaddikim, Sha'ar HaAhavah – The Gate of Love)

2 Daily Halachot

From Halacha and Aggadah, based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

Is It Permissible to Rejoice During the Month of Av?

Our Sages taught (Taanit 26b): "When the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy."

They deliberately said "reduce" rather than "eliminate." This teaches that a Jew should always serve Hashem with joy, as the verse states: "Serve the Lord with joy." (Psalms 100:2)

During the month of Av, we continue to rejoice in serving Hashem, but we temper our expressions of joy in remembrance of the destruction of the Holy Temple.

What Is the Law Regarding the Shehecheyanu Blessing During the Month of Av?

During the weekdays of the Three Weeks it is customary to avoid wearing a new garment that would require reciting the Shehecheyanu blessing, postponing it until Shabbat.

However, after Rosh Chodesh Av, one should preferably avoid wearing a new garment even on Shabbat. According to Ashkenazi custom, this restriction begins from Rosh Chodesh Av as a matter of halachah.

A new fruit, however, is different. One may recite Shehecheyanu over a new fruit even after Rosh Chodesh Av, particularly on Shabbat, since the joy of eating a seasonal fruit is not considered as significant as the joy of wearing a new garment.