The Mesilas Yesharim (end of Chapter 19) writes, "Hakodush Boruch Hu only loves those who love their fellow Jew, and the more one increases his love for fellow Jews, the more Hakodush Boruch Hu loves him. [We note the incredible statement of the Alter of Kelm (Kisvei HaSaba MiKelm page 13) that with V'ahavta L'reacha Comocha one can be m'kayem thousands of mitzvos a minute because for every single Jew that one loves, he is m'kayem a separate Mitzvas Aseh." (Also see Yesod V'Shoresh Ha'Avoda 1:7-8)]

Many have asked - How can I properly fulfill the Mitzvas Aseh of V'ahavta L'reacha Comocha - How can I love someone else as much as myself? Must I buy another a pair of shoes whenever I buy one for myself? Rav Eliyahu Lopian Z'tl provides an incredibly practical guideline: The Mitzva is: Do for others what you would want them to do for you; and do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you. This it the formula to apply in all of your life's encounters (Lev Eliyahu, Beraishis, page 253).

Using this as your guideline, the following is a list of practical ideas [based largely on a checklist developed by N'shei Ahavas Chesed of Brooklyn] for a person to grow in the great mitzva of Ahavas Yisroel:

1. Did you say hello to at least one person before they said hello to you?
2. Did you make someone smile or laugh today? Did you boost someone's spirits?
3. Were you truly happy to hear good news about a friend? Even if you wish that the same good news would happen to you?
4. Did you judge someone favorably today? Did you see people positively - or did you sum up their lifestyle, pros and cons, with one glance of the eye?
5. How often did you find yourself talking about someone else?
6. Did you actually do any of the following:
   1. Visit a sick person
   2. Help the needy in some way
   3. Invite a guest without family in town for a Shabbos meal
   4. Patronize Jewish products and stores
   5. Help a single person find a Shidduch
   6. Sincerely ask Hashem to bring the Geulah for all of us

For the greatest success, keep a daily record of your accomplishments!

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