People Of The Word, chapter 2

 Ahavah

People of The Word

Fifty Words That Shaped Jewish Thinking

Mendel Kalmenson

Zalman Abraham

After establishing that the root word for the Hebrew word, ahavah or love, is hav, to give, this chapter plays on some familiar concepts to Christians and Jews.

Their first point is, though we should always have known this, is that love is not about you, it's about the beloved.  "It is a transformative experience that dethrones the ego, and puts it to work in the fulfillment of the needs and desires of another."  "Love is strengthened and prolonged, ....., by every act of thoughtfulness and selfless giving."

Very familiar to Christians, is Jesus quoting from the Torah, when he tells his followers to love their neighbor as themselves.  He didn't mention how they would feel about this.  Love is an act.  We have heard this.  Leviticus 19:18 ... “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”

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One of the authors' other interesting points could be called Fake it until you Make it.  IOW, action may precede feelings.  This works in training children to desirable behaviors too and even training dogs.  You make them rehearse it until they mean it.  We adults are no different. Love begets love and is strengthened in the practicing.