Reply To: Respecting People: A Rant

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#971731
WIY
Member

Philosopher:

I think that something needs to be cleared up. I believe we need to define respect.

Respect is a concept called Kovod Habriyos. A Jew has to have respect for all human

beings including non Jews. Every human is a Tzelem Elokim. We were all formed in the image of G-d. Therefore there is an obligation to respect the G-dliness residing in all humans. There are countless stories of Gedolim who went out of their way to be nice and friendly and even to do favors and give of their time and advice to their non Jewish neighbors.

A Yid deserves even more than that just for the fact that he’s or she’s a Jew and your brother/sister.

There’s a higher respect which is generally reserved for ones boss or someone who is higher up then them or of greater stature like a Rabbi.

I’m not sure how you define respect or what respect you are actually talking of however one thing is clear, any Jew even an OTD Jew needs to be treated respectfully. You may not disrespect, make a disapproving face, embarass, talk down to, hurt or even THINK badly about another Jew. If you feel like interacting, you give a smile and say hello and treat them like anyone else. You can disapprove of what they do but you can’t and are not allowed to judge them they sense it right away and all you have done is push them away. When interacting and doing Kiruv one has to exhibit lots of love and acceptance. If you aren’t sincere then don’t bother you will do more harm than good.