All of us know the famous statement Rabbi Akiva made : “This is a great principle of the Torah: ‚Love your neighbor as yourself`”.
So – as it is what he describes as a “Great principle” in the Torah, why is it not mentioned in the ten commandments ?
Many years ago, as a teenager, I used to be frequently invited to join Rabbi Yizchak Friedman זצ”ל, for the Shabbat meals. (The Rebbe was a direct descendent of the Ruzhiner Rebbe, and himself a Rebbe to a small but very nice Chassidut).
The Rebbe was well into his eighties and not very well. However, it was noticeable to anyone who saw him that his face looked as fresh and pure as that of a young child.
I once asked my father זצ”ל: “What does the Rebbe do to maintain such a shining face? Does he use an ‘Anti aging’ special formula only known to him?”
My father smiled and responded: “I think I know his secret, and you can also achieve it with G’d’s help – בְּעֶזְרַת הַשֵּׁם”. “Work hard on refining your character for 60 years – as the Rebbe did. And you are likely to maintain that same ‘pure and uncorrupted’ face as the Rebbe…”
Perhaps. The “Great principle” of Love your neighbor as yourself, can only be achieved after having reached many (easier) milestones in interpersonal behaviour. It is the highest degree that a person can achieve in his relationship with anyone, friend or relative. Of the ten commandments, five are about our conduct towards G’d, and five are about our relationship with people. It is only when (if…) we correctly adhere to the ten commandments (and possibly other Mitzvot concerning our interpersonal relationships) that we may get closer to the “Great principle” of “Love your neighbor as yourself . וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ“:
With warm regards and Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Chaim Michael Biberfeld