ORAL LAW ASSIGNMENT

I chose (Leviticus 19:34) as my mitztvot to interpret.

 "The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt."

I specifically chose this of all of the Mitzvot because it reminded me of the URJ Heller High group. We were all once strangers in a strange land. We did not know each other at the airport, but everyone knew that we would become such a tight group. We all accepted everyone for who they were and loved them for it. The once strangers next to me, are now some of my best friends in the entire world. I interpret this mitzvah to mean that a person should not judge another. Everyone has gone through a struggle in their life. People are extraordinary actors and others never seem to know what can truly be going on behind all of the acting, therefore one should not judge another and be kind and accepting towards all. I can fulfill this mitzvah in everyday life by not being judgmental and by being nice and accepting.  This builds good character. I believe that this can shape a person. It is a guideline in the modern Jewish world in the same way. Specifically in Reform Judaism, I believe that the this mitzvah could make many people feel at home and very comfortable in synagogue and with the person they are. 


I chose this picture for this mitzvah because to me this picture means happiness, comfort, and love. I am on the left, and Ayli is on the right. I am extremely comfortable and happy around her. This picture also says how close we have gotten when we used to be just strangers in a strange land. She was accepting to me and we have become very close. It relates to the mitzvah because the mitzvah talks about being accepting and to treat others with the utmost respect. 


To conclude, this mitzvah expresses the need for people to be greeted with respect, no judgment, open mindedness, and open arms. This will result in the shape of character and good morals in a person. 



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