Chessed

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Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ having been corrected like it once was, pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!

“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם (the LORD your Eloleichem) which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

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“Chessed”

‘Loyal’, ‘steadfast love’, ‘kindness’, ‘mercy’ and ‘covenant faithfulness’.

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

Just before the study, I would like to provide one more vital quote from the book of Yahoshua - Joshua Ch 1:7-8. (JPS-1917).

“Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey the entire Torah My servant Moshe has given you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Torah depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

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“Chessed” or “Hesed” is a wonderful and a rich Hebrew word describing ‘loyal’, ‘steadfast love’, ‘kindness’, ‘mercy’ and ‘covenant faithfulness’, often translated as ‘loving-kindness’ or ‘steadfast love’.

It represents actions of devotion that go beyond duty, embodying אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s unfailing commitment and inspiring similar actions between people. It is not just a feeling, but the kind of love that could even be demonstrated through concrete, yet it will commit acts of ‘loyalty’, ‘mercy’, and ‘generosity’, central to understanding אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s character found in our beloved Torah/Tanakh.

The truth is; “Chessed” should be at the very center of all who love and serve our beloved אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim! If we really think about it, the world these days, it is very different from some time considrable time back, for sadly these days it seems that most are prioritising personal ‘success’, ‘status’, and of course ‘personal gain’.

Our beloved faith (which should really be still called, as it was in ancient times - ‘Hebrews’ or ‘Israelites’), teaches us that true greatness lies in acts of kindness. In the Torah’s way of thinking, ‘chessed’ = ‘kindness’, is not just a special trait; it is the very foundation of a Hebrew’s life. Chessed means ‘helping others’ with a ‘full heart’ and ‘real love’. It is not just one Mitzvah among many, it is the heart of how we live as Hebrews.

From the moment Avraham Avinu, the very first עברי (Ivri) - Hebrew, he readily welcomed strangers into his tent, thus setting the gold standard for hospitality, to the countless mitzvot encouraging us to ‘care for other’s, kindness should be living at the heart of all of us Hebrews, for it should be found in the way we greet one another.

We should support the vulnerable, such as ‘giving charity’, ‘visiting the sick’, comforting mourners’, etc). In addition the simple act of offering a smile and/or speaking gently and respectfully to each person!

We need an open Heart, regardless the circle:

One of the most beautiful aspects of Hebraic kindness is that it should extend, well beyond our own circles. For our beloved Torah emphasizes, that we treat the ‘Ger’, (the convert), with ‘respect’ and’ compassion’, reminding us that every Hebrew carries a Divine love and deserves to be treated with ‘warmth’ and ‘care’. It is said that one of the hallmarks of the Am Yisrael (the Jewish people) is that we are “rachmanim b’nei rachmanim” - ‘merciful descendants of our merciful ancestors’. Kindness is not just something we do; no, it is who we should be.

The most special thing about chessed is that it comes from a pure heart. When a person helps others with real sincerity and unconditional love, it brings incredible loving ‘kedushah’ - קְדֻשָּׁה = ‘holiness’. The wonderful ‘Rambam’ (‘Maimonides’) teaches that tzedakah (charity) should always be given with a smile, because its purpose is not just to help people physically, but also to uplift them and give them ‘kavod’, ‘respect’ and ‘dignity’ and ‘hope’.

We should share kindness, not expecting nothing in return:

We are also thought about the highest level of kindness: חסד של אמת- “chessed shel emet” - helping someone who able to return the favour. For example, taking care of a ‘niftar’ a deceased. it is an act of kindness that has no personal gain, just a deep ‘Ahavat Yisrael (love of one’s fellow Hebrew).

Chessed is a way to bring אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim’s presence into the world and make it Holier. When a person does good for others with a heart of love and humility, they become a partner in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s and work hard in building a better world!

Ultimately, kindness in our faith is about transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Every action, no matter how small, can be infused with holiness. When we choose to treat people with care, ‘speak gently’, and ‘extend warmth’, we bring אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s presence into our everyday interactions.

The truth is that we can even see the significance in the word ‘Chessed’ - חסד in Ivrit: the letter Chet – ח is formed by two vertical lines connected by a horizontal bridge on top, creating an enclosed shape. This structure is often interpreted in our Hebrew thought as representing protection’, ‘enclosure’, and ‘connection’.

Since “chessed” is all about kindness and giving, the Chet (ח) in its structure reflects the idea that kindness is a foundational force that holds the world together. The open side of the letter can symbolize “openness to giving”, showing that chessed is not meant to be contained but rather extended outward to others.

Now let us look even further into; ‘Chessed’ - ‘Chet’, ‘Samach’ and ‘Daled’: Let us break down the rest of the word, the Samach – ס & Daled – ד. The letter Samach ס symbolizes ‘wholeness’, ‘support’, and ‘Divine protection’. In Hebrew thought, Samach represents “יְהוָה -sustaining power”, holding up those who fall. This aligns beautifully with the concept of chessed, as acts of kindness often involve ‘lifting others up, providing support, and ensuring their stability’.

A fascinating connection is found in Tehillim - Psalms 145:14, where the pasuk (verse) states:

“Someich Hashem lechol hanoflim, or better said- יְהוָה supports all who fall”.

The word “someich” shares the root with “samach”, reinforcing the idea that ‘chessed‘ is about sustaining and uplifting others!

That leaves us with the final letter of the word. The letter Daled ד is shaped like a ‘doorway’, symbolizing ‘openness’, ‘humility’, and ‘generosity’. The daled represents a ‘poor person’ דל dal - who is in need. It can also signify ‘humility’ emphasizing care for others. This reveals that chessed is not just an action, it is a force that ‘sustains’, ‘uplift’s, and ‘connects people’ in a meaningful way.

Believe me, by bringing “chessed” into our lives, we will just be changing the world, and we will be elevating it!
Please אֱלֹהִים - Elohim help us with the merit to bring “chessed” not just into our lives, to greet every person warmly, and to spread the light of our beloved Torah with kindness and “Ahavah” that is Love! Omein.

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PLEASE NOTE: This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!

Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following, via several of our prophets...

“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. MEC).

And Remember ...

Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!

אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ אוֹתָם

וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם

“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem; walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).

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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;

“The More Torah, the More Life”

For אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, Blessed be His Sanctified Name,

He is the one who gave us our Life!”

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the ‘מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

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