Parshat Kedoshim- Prerequisites for Loving Yourself
by Rabbi Lobel

(Leviticus; Chapter 19, Verse 18) “Love thy neighbor as yourself.”

The Daas Zekeinim (Genesis 5:1) quotes the Toras Kohanim.
“Rebbe Akiba explains, “Love thy neighbor as yourself – this is a great rule in the Torah.” Ben Azai says, “This is the book of man's creation is a greater verse.” Why is Ben Azai's verse greater? Perhaps a person does not like himself. Ben Azai's verse says, look at creation and love your neighbor for his personal greatness and value him as a human being.”

If a person does not like himself and sees his own personal greatness, how is he going to view his friend in the proper frame of mind? Seemingly, it is easier to view your neighbor’s greatness than your own. Even though one does not recognize his own positive attributes he can still see view his friend properly; as Ben Azai explains, an individual can still fulfill “loving his neighbor” without loving himself.

Since it is easier to love your neighbor, it follows that if one does not, certainly he does not like himself. Those who put down others are displaying the low regard they have of themselves.