Hugs Over Criticism: The Mitzvah of Loving Rebuke [Parsha Pearls: Acharei-Kedoshim] 5786

In this episode on Parshas Kedoshim (the holiness parsha), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe focuses on Leviticus 19:17–18: "Do not hate your brother in your heart... You shall surely rebuke your fellow... and do not bear sin because of him," followed by "Love your fellow as yourself — I am Hashem." He explains that hatred must be expressed (not suppressed), but rebuke (tochacha) is only a mitzvah when it will be accepted; otherwise, it's a mitzvah not to rebuke (Yevamos). Embarrassing someone publicly is like "spilling their blood" — a grave sin. True rebuke comes from love ("achicha" — your brother), requires the right time, place, and words, and is often more effective through hugs and positivity than harsh criticism (especially with children).

Rabbi Wolbe stresses that parents (and all of us) must see others' blind spots and correct with care, as Hashem corrects those He loves. Holiness means rising above natural self-interest to genuinely love and elevate others — not by putting them down, but by helping them grow. This is the path to true kedushah (holiness), mirroring Hashem's ways.

_____________
This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa Friedman

• Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on April 28, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on May 1, 2026

_____________
Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)
• Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired!

Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.
_____________

About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected]
_____________

Support Our Mission:
Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!
_____________
Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

• NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
• Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org
_____________

Keywords:
#Torah, #Parsha, #Leviticus, #Kedoshim, #BeHoly, #Tochacha, #LoveYourFellow, #VahavtaLreiacha, #Rebuke, #HolyLiving, #AhavatYisrael, #LashonHara, #Kedushah