„The highest level in the love of creatures must be the love of the hu…”
„The highest level in the love of creatures must be the love of the human being, and it must extend to the whole of humanity, despite all differences of opinion, religion, and faith, and despite all the distinctions of races and climates. It is right to penetrate to the depths of the mindset of the various peoples and collectives, to learn as much as possible their character and their traits, in order to know how to base human love upon foundations that draw near to practice.... And the envious eye, which causes one to see in everything outside the bounds of one's own particular nation - even if it is outside the bounds of Israel - only ugliness and impurity, is among the terrible darknesses that bring about a general ruin of the entire edifice of spiritual good, whose light every refined soul awaits.”From Middot HaRe'iyah, Love
Sukkot is also the festival of the nations of the world. A festival in which the Temple service was dedicated corresponding to the seventy nations of the world. According to Jewish faith, not only is there no obligation to be against other believers or to try to convert them to Judaism, but there is a place for everyone in the world of the Holy One, blessed be He - when each and every nation knows its place, and in the days when the Temple will be rebuilt, 'My house (the Temple) shall be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.'
The Holy One created a whole world with different creatures, different faiths, and different religions. Our ability to learn from one another is immense, and whoever tries to see evil in everything that is not himself destroys worlds.
It is true that there are enemies, and against an enemy one must fight. 'Human rights' have often become a refuge for enemies, and of this one must be very careful. But the general view of 'gentiles' as something loathsome and evil is defined here by Rav Kook unequivocally as a terrible darkness that causes a general ruin of all good.
Let us pray for the days when true peace will return and the love of humanity will prevail.
In memory of Malka bat Clara.
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From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.