Reply To: Bain Adam L'chaveiro Vs. Bain Adam L'makom

TBT,Shlishi,Essey: The underlying reason for all mitzvos bain adam l’chaveiro in the Torah is obviously character refinement. Still, when we practice each mitzvah and develop our character refinement, we are also connecting to Hashem in the process, since it’s Hashem’s ratzon that we refine our character.

We may respect a gentile as a fellow human being and not feel any animosity towards them, even if we are obligated to despise some of their immoral actions. If Hashem commands us to keep some distance from gentiles in order to preserve our connection to Him, this doesn’t have to reflect in our character towards them. In the same way our obligation to sacrifice animals as korbonos in Bais Hamikdash doesn’t have to translate into a general lack of compassion towards animals. (Wasn’t Moshe Rabbeinu chosen by Hashem to lead Klal Yisroel because he showed compassion towards the sheep he shepherded? Did Avrohom Avinu’s action of sacrificing Yitzchok reflect on a lack of compassion towards his son?)

Additionally, the halacha of Kavod Habriyos docheh lav D’rabanan applies also to situations with gentiles. And the Gemara which says “Kol Hamerachem Al Habriyos Hashem Merachem Uluv” applies to all living creatures Jews, gentiles, and animals alike, since that is the essence of humanity which Hashem classified in the Torah as “Tov”=Good.