In Netzarim Judaism, chesed, commonly translated as “kindness” or “lovingkindness,” stands at the very heart of what it means to live a life of Torah. More than a good deed or a moral virtue, chesed is a fundamental spiritual orientation—a way of being in the world that reflects the nature of God and our highest ideals as a covenantal people.
The Divine Attribute of Chesed
The Hebrew Bible repeatedly presents God as a being of chesed: “The LORD, the LORD, a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in chesed and truth” (Exodus 34:6). This declaration is echoed throughout the Tanakh, where chesed is not merely an emotion but an ongoing commitment to covenantal loyalty, compassion, and grace.
In Netzarim thought, God’s chesed is not arbitrary mercy but the divine consistency in sustaining life, offering forgiveness, and calling people to righteousness. We are taught that God’s justice is tempered by mercy—and this balance is what allows the world to exist.
Chesed as a Human Responsibility
The prophet Micah famously said: “He has told you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, to love chesed, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). For us, chesed is not optional; it is one of the three pillars upon which the world stands (Pirkei Avot 1:2).
While Netzarim Judaism diverges from Talmudic Judaism in many ways, this core truth remains: to be Jewish is to be committed to acts of lovingkindness. Chesed is lived out not in theory but in practical, consistent actions that make the world more just, compassionate, and holy.
Chesed Over Legalism
Netzarim Judaism places the spirit of the law above the letter. This ethos is deeply connected to chesed. Where Talmudic Judaism may at times become encumbered by legal minutiae, the Netzarim approach is to ask: Does this action increase the goodness of the world? Does it reflect the compassion of our Creator? If not, it may be technically correct, but spiritually hollow.
Yeshua of Nazareth, whom we regard not as a savior but as a righteous teacher, emphasized this in his life. His rebukes were often directed toward those who upheld ritual purity at the cost of compassion. In this, he stood firmly in the prophetic tradition calling for justice, mercy, and humble walk with God.
Everyday Acts of Chesed
Chesed need not be grand. A kind word, a listening ear, a meal offered, or a moment of patient understanding—all are powerful expressions of chesed. Within our homes, communities, and even among strangers, we are constantly presented with opportunities to embody the Torah’s call to kindness.
As Netzarim Jews, we believe that our halakhic path must be deeply ethical and personal. The mitzvah of chesed is one that transcends sectarian lines, reminding us that the highest forms of spirituality are grounded in love for one another.
A Kingdom of Chesed
Netzarim Judaism speaks often of the “Kingdom of God” not as a future apocalyptic event, but as a way of being—a world infused with divine values, where people live in peace, justice, and mutual respect. Chesed is the building block of this Kingdom. Every act of lovingkindness is a step toward that world.
To build a better world is not merely a dream but a commandment. As it is written in Hosea 12:6, “You must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.”
Conclusion
In a world of increasing division and hardness of heart, chesed is our sacred resistance. It is how we maintain our humanity, reflect our Creator, and fulfill the deepest purpose of Torah. To live as a Netzarim Jew is to make kindness a daily discipline and a lifelong calling.
Let us be a people who do not just study Torah, but who become Torah—through our compassion, our courage, and our chesed.
