Parashah Ki Tetze
This portion could be described as the portion on how to love your neighbor. These commandments are vital to the health of the individuals and of the nation as a whole, creating a culture of honor, generosity, and much more. Loving your neighbor is one of the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40), and is an essential part of covenant faithfulness and covenant renewal.
When these commandments are upheld, the people dwell together in unity. When the people stray from the commandments, and individuals make themselves the center of importance, divisions and hatred can lead to exile.
The Sages teach that the current exile is the result of baseless hatred. If so, what is the remedy that will bring about the final redemption? It is selfless love that overcomes the differences and seeks reconciliation. It is loving your neighbor as yourself, and even more, loving each other as Yeshua loved us.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
(John 13:34-35)