The Torah commands us to love our fellow Jew like we love ourselves. that is one of the most critical mitzvot, considering many commandments depend on it. For example, whether one loves his fellow Jew thereupon he would not steal from him, or hurt him in any other way.

A non Jew once came to the great sage Hillel saying, “I wish to convert on the condition that you teach me the entire Torah ‘while I stand on one foot’ – ‘in a very short time’.” Hillel accepted him as a convert and next told him, “What is hateful to you do not do to others, that is the entire Torah, everything else is commentary, go and learn.”Talmud, Shabbat 31a

In addition to the mitzvah to love one’s fellow Jew, we are additionally commanded not to hate another Jew. that is one of the most serious sins.

“You shall not hate your brother in your heart”Vayikra (Leviticus) 19:17
One reason why that is such a serious sin is considering it can lead to the violation of many other prohibitions, from lashon hara (slanderous speech) to murder. Another reason why hating another Jew is such a serious sin is considering G-d loves every Jew. How next can we hate a person that G-d loves?

“Why was the first Temple destroyed? considering of three sins, idolatry, adultery, and murder… But the second Temple – when the Jews were involved in Torah study, mitzvot, and doing kindness – why was the Temple destroyed? considering of the baseless hatred which existed at that date. that teaches us that baseless hatred is considered equal to the three sins of idolatry, adultery, and murder.Talmud, Yoma 9b

Acts of love and kindness are so much a part of Jewish Law that the word “mitzvah” (commandment) is commonly used to mean any good deed. Jewish Law includes within it a blueprint for a just and ethical society, where no one takes from another or harms another or takes advantage of another, but everyone gives to one another and helps one another and protects one another.

The Ten Commandments command us not to murder. Jewish Law requires us to protect our fellow man. We are commanded not to leave a condition that may cause harm, to construct our homes in ways that will prevent public from being harmed, and to help a person whose life is in danger.

Jewish Law commands us to help those in need, both in physical need and financial need. The Torah commands us to help a neighbor with his burden, and help load or unload his beast, to give money to the poor and needy, and not to turn them away empty handed.

Jewish Law forbids us from cheating another or taking advantage of another. Jewish Law regarding business ethics and practices is extensive. The Torah regulates conduct within a businessman and his customer. For example, not to use false weights and measures, not to do wrong in buying and selling, not to charge interest. The Torah plus regulates conduct within a business man and his employee. For example, to pay wages promptly, to allow a worker in the field to eat the produce he is harvesting, and not to take produce other than what you can eat from the employer while harvesting.

Jewish Law forbids us from wronging another person in speech. The Torah commands us not to tell lies about a person, nor even uncomplimentary things that are true. To speak the truth, to fulfill our promises, and not to deceive others.

What is hateful to you do not do to others!