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Kenneth Cohen

Caring For Our Fellow Jew

Rav Meir Kahane often quoted the Pasuk, “Thou shall not stand by your brother’s blood.” He taught the importance of feeling the pain of every Jew. It did not matter where that Jew lived. The Jewish people are a family nation, and we are one people.
The Talmud and the Midrash give three examples where this verse is applicable. The first is the case of “Rodef,” where we might see one chasing his friend with the intention of killing him. “Not standing by our brother’s blood,” obligates us to try to stop the crime from taking place.

The second applicable case is where we see another Jew in danger, where we must get involved. The Talmud gives examples of someone drowning, or being attacked by wild animals or robbers. We are obligated to help.

The third case is where you know testimony that could help another Jew. You must testify and not stand idly by. We must care for one another.

Douglas Murray, the non-Jewish British journalist, who has proven to be a real friend of Israel, since October the seventh, made the following observation. He said that the Muslims do not have a sense of caring for other Muslims. If they did, they would have taken in the Gazans. Each Muslim country only cares about itself.
The Jewish people are truly unique and we stand together. We are taught to get involved and care about every Jew, wherever he lives. Am Yisrael Chai!

About the Author
Rabbi Cohen has been a Torah instructor at Machon Meir, Jerusalem, for over twenty years while also teaching a Talmud class in the Shtieblach of Old Katamon. Before coming to Israel, he was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles. He recently published a series of Hebrew language-learning apps, which are available at www.cafehebrew.com