The world also depends on acts of kindness, or gemilut chasadim. This pillar emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and caring for others. Just as we connect to Hashem through Torah study and service, we connect to each other through acts of kindness.
Gemilut chasadim is a fundamental value in Judaism, as seen in the example of Avraham Avinu. Avraham was known for his hospitality and kindness towards others, even strangers. His actions set a precedent for the Jewish people to follow, showing that caring for others is a central part of our identity.
By engaging in acts of kindness, we not only help those in need but also strengthen our connections to each other and to Hashem. Gemilut chasadim is a way for us to emulate the kindness and compassion of the Divine and bring more goodness into the world.
In conclusion, Shimon HaTzaddik’s statement reminds us of the three pillars on which the world stands: Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Chasadim. By focusing on these values, we can not only sustain the world but also live meaningful and fulfilling lives in accordance with Hashem’s will.
Regenerate In fact, the neviâim Micha (Micha 6:8) and Yeshaya (Yeshayahu 58) present care for others (in contrast to korbanot) as central to what Hashem wants from us. Korbanot and avodat Hashem are important, but Hashem wants us to serve Him by (also) caring about and for His creations â particularly those He created in His image. By doing so, we emulate Hashem who created the world as an act of chesed. (Of course, He does not need the world; He created it for us.)
Our acts of chesed are also our way of giving back to Hashem. Rav Avraham Chaim Feuer explains that this is why the mishna uses the term gemilut chasadim: our chesed is a way of âpaying Hashem backâ for His. By assisting others created in His image, we show our appreciation that we, too, were created this way.
Torah and Maâasim Tovim
Chesed is an essential complement to Talmud Torah. The Gemara (Avodah Zarah 17b) compares one involved in only Torah learning but not chesed to one who has no G-d. One focused only on himself lacks a meaningful relationship with Hashem. As we saw, Torah learning can be âgadlusâ â greater than other mitzvot â but if taken to a self-centered extreme, it can also be godless. Torah learning is only gadlus when it inspires us to care for Hashemâs other creations.
This is why we celebrate Torah and maâasim tovim (good deeds) as the goals and the epitome of life. They are the life goals the community wishes for newborn babies and which mothers daven for each week when they light candles. The two together are how we serve Hashem in the fullest sense of the word.
The Three-Legged Stool
Put together, these three foci, Torah, avodah, and gemilut chasadim, are what the world exists for and what we should, therefore, focus upon. May appreciating this foundational idea help us maximize our lives and our contribution to sustaining the world.