Now there are 3 questions

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asked 7 years ago

Good evening, Miki.

…

As a result of this conversation, several questions arose in me. I initially considered giving up on the first one, which I will present now, but decided that:
1] What is your opinion on the story of the creation of the world – I have no problem with the term day, but how does this myth fit with science in the context of the order of creation – that plants were created before the sun?
2] I think I’ve already presented my position on the subject, but please – what is your opinion on the subject of the commandments in which we are commanded to love? Is it possible to enforce an emotion, or in your understanding, the meaning of love in the context of a commandment is not at all related to the hormone oxytocin.
3] And more on the subject of the commandment to love – “You shall love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” I searched for interpretations of this matter, and all I found was in the context of the stranger. What do you have to contribute to clarifying this issue? All the best and have a pleasant evening.

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מיכי Staff answered 7 years ago

Hello A. 1] If it is possible to create plants from nothing, then it is not necessary for God to sustain them without sun. In general, I tend to think that this is not a historical-factual description but rather an educational myth. 2] In my opinion, there is no commandment to love in the emotional sense. I wrote an article on emotions in Halacha, where I explored the issue in depth. See here: https://mikyab.net/%D7%9B%D7%AA%D7%91%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%9E%D7%A9%D7%9E%D7%A2%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%90%D7%A4%D7%9C%D7%98%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%9C%D7%A8%D7%92%D7%A9%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94/ So it’s really not about the hormone oxytocin. 3] Indeed, the Torah’s text deals with a resident alien (a gentile living among us), but the Sages taught this about a righteous person. According to this, the comparison to our stay in Egypt is not clear. After all, we did not settle there, but simply lived there. I thought about it now and it seems to me that it follows that the obligation to love a stranger is indeed in relation to any stranger who lives among us, a resident alien or a righteous person. However, if he is a gentile (resident alien) then there is a problem in loving him because we will cling to his ways and come to marry him and his daughters. Therefore, even though he is a stranger, the Torah does not require that we love him (but only to treat them appropriately). Hence, what remains is only the obligation to love a righteous person. But there is still an implication for the interpretation that I proposed, according to which the obligation to love a righteous person is not because they converted (as is usually understood) but because they are poor people who live not in the regions of their childhood and family (in a kind of exile). The fact that they converted only exempts us from canceling the obligation to love them. I hope you followed this Talmudic chatter. How are you feeling?

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מושה replied 7 years ago

Good questions,

1] What is your opinion on the story of the creation of the world - I have no problem with the term day, but how does this myth fit with science in the context of the order of creation - that plants were created before the sun?
1. That's all the big deal, brother. Here we are talking about creation, you understand? Therefore, it doesn't matter what needs what, but in nature, nothing must be lacking. And here you ask how the plants "stood" without the sun? To teach you that the plants are not really connected to the sun but to the Creator. But on the other hand, my brother, there was light every day, just as there was on the first to fourth day before the creation of the lights, because it is written, "And there was evening and there was morning." This means that in order for there to be morning, there must be light. What kind of light would there be if there was no sun? And God said, "Let there be light!" Even without the sun. So the plants "stood" without the sun, but they stood "from that light"!

2] I think I have already presented my position on the subject, but please - what is your opinion on the subject of the commandments in which we are commanded to love. Is it possible to enforce an emotion, or in your understanding the meaning of love in the context of a commandment is not at all related to the hormone oxytocin.
2. Love is concern for others. Not turning a blind eye to the troubles of others. Being caring for humanity. Not being cruel even to animals. And there is spiritual love like "You shall love the Lord your God" - what does it mean? To give Him His will. What is His will? To be loved and to love your neighbor as yourself. Caring.
If we do not love – we will hate, if we hate – we will simply die. Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth… with the seed of lovers.

3] And more on the subject of the commandment to love - "You shall love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." I searched for interpretations of this matter, and all I found was in the context of the righteous. What do you have to contribute to clarifying this issue?

3. This is a commandment in general and to love your neighbor as yourself! Why is it written that you were strangers in the land of Egypt? Because all are my children, I care for everyone and so you should do the same. Just as I cared for you when you were strangers enslaved in Egypt. And you sojourned there for a short time and became a great and numerous nation. The ’ is actually telling us, take care of the weak… and love is concern and help and caring for the other. Love is the best medicine because love pays and is rewarded – Love brings peace! Love is the killer of hatred. So both those who hate and those who have the blood of a murderer should use this tool called love and kill the hatred in their hearts. And kill their evil inclination every time… How? Being a good, helpful and caring person who loves and does not hate! It is healthy for the soul!