Explore Laws of relationships at Neshama Sheli: articles and reading collections about Jewish life. Discover the section and related topics for further reading.
Disputes and Disagreements 1. The Torah forbids supporting those who incite disputes and engage in activities that increase strife and disagreement. According to some opinions, this mitzvah is derive…
The Mitzvah of Visiting the Sick 16. A sick person is not told about the death of a loved one until he recovers. Even if he learns of it, keriah (a tear in his clothing) is not performed for him, and…
The Mitzvah of Visiting the Sick 11. The Sages taught that it is better not to visit a sick person first thing in the morning, during the first three halachic hours. In the morning, a sick person oft…
The Mitzvah of Visiting the Sick 8. A sick person is not required to stand even for senior officials and heads of state. If a sick person nevertheless stands to greet someone, one should not say, “Si…
The Mitzvah of Visiting the Sick 2. Close relatives and friends should visit the patient on the very day his condition worsens, while everyone else comes three days later. If the patient's condition…
The mitzvah of visiting the sick 1. One of the Torah’s important mitzvot is visiting the sick, regardless of their social standing or financial situation. The purpose is not only to visit and talk wi…
Greeting 10. One must not greet people who are in mourning with the word “shalom.” In some communities, this rule applies even on Shabbat, when mourning customs are not observed in public. People als…
Greeting 4. Our Sages said: “Welcome every person warmly.” They also said: “One who smiles at another person (that is, brings him joy) is better than one who gives him milk to drink.” (Milk was quite…
Greeting 1. The Sages ordained that people greet one another with the word "Shalom" (peace). Although this word is considered one of the Creator’s Names, greeting someone in this way is not forbidden…
The prohibition “Do not covet” 10. The prohibition is violated not only when someone insists that an item be sold to him, but also when he asks for it as a gift. If it is known that a family's financ…
The prohibition “You shall not covet” 8. The prohibition is not violated when the item in question is offered for sale. Even if a person is unsure whether the item is for sale, it is permissible to a…
The prohibition "do not covet" 4. It is permissible to ask someone to sell an item, provided this does not violate ethical principles or standards of conduct. However, if the owner refuses, it is for…