אהבה

אהבה is the inner dimension of the Sefirah of Chesed, and its nature is the emotion in the heart of the lover's soul being drawn to the beloved, and cleaving (deveikus) to and bonding (hitkashrut) with the beloved . Love is the first among the soul's powers that enclothe themselves and dwell in the human heart.

The attribute of love is connected to the mitzvah of Ahavas Hashem (Love of God), which is a positive commandment, as it is stated, "And you shall love the Lord your G-d."

Corresponding to love in holiness, which is the love of G-d, there is the attribute of love from the side of the Klipah (husk/shell), which is to love things that are contrary to the will of God, and to be drawn by Ta'avah (lust/inordinate desire) to the pleasures of this world.

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Levels and Manifestations of Ahavah

Chassidic teachings describe several distinct expressions of Ahavah (אהבה), the love of G‑d, each corresponding to a different spiritual level and inner experience.

• Ahavah Mesuteret (אהבה מסותרת) – the "hidden love": This is an innate, inborn love for G‑d that resides within the Nefesh Elokit (נפש האלוקית), the G‑dly soul of every Jew. Though it may remain concealed beneath layers of distraction or neglect, it is never extinguished and can be awakened at any time.
• Ahavah born of Hitbonenut (התבוננות) – contemplation and understanding: This form of love is cultivated through deep reflection on the greatness of the Infinite One, Ein Sof (אין סוף), and His boundless kindness. As the mind meditates on these truths—particularly through the faculty of Binah (בינה)—one awakens a heartfelt desire to draw close to G‑d.
• Ahavah Rabbah (אהבה רבה) and Ahavah Zuta (אהבה זוטא): These terms, meaning "great love" and "lesser love," refer to varying intensities and qualities of love. Ahavah Zuta (אהבה זוטא) may include self-awareness or longing for spiritual fulfillment, while Ahavah Rabbah (אהבה רבה) is a self-transcendent, all-consuming yearning to cleave to G‑d.

Ahavah in Divine Service (Avodat Hashem)

Ahavah (אהבה) is one of the two "wings" of Avodat Hashem (עבודת השם), service of G‑d, the other being Yirah (יראה)—awe. While Yirah instills reverence and restraint, Ahavah draws one close, igniting a longing for Devekut (דבקות), cleaving to G‑d. It transforms the observance of Torah (תורה) and Mitzvot (מצוות) into a joyful connection with the Divine will, not merely obligation but heartfelt devotion. The ultimate form of Ahavat Hashem (אהבת השם) is the readiness to give oneself over completely for the sake of G‑d.

Ahavat Yisrael: Love of One's Fellow Jew

Ahavat Yisrael (אהבת ישראל), the love for a fellow Jew, is taught in Chassidus as a vital path to awakening Ahavat Hashem (אהבת השם). Since all Jewish souls stem from one collective root, to love another is to love an extension of oneself—and by extension, to love G‑d. This love means looking past external faults to see the spark of the Divine within each person. True Ahavat Yisrael must be expressed in real action—kindness, compassion, and unity—reflecting the deep spiritual oneness of the Jewish people.

דחילו ורחימו

Aramaic for love and fear.