I have been thinking a lot lately about kindness—or, more honestly, the lack of it. We live in a world where people are quick to judge, criticize, and tell others what they should be doing. We see it every day, especially on social media. People can be cruel from behind a screen without ever stopping to think about the human being reading their words.

We say that kindness is free, and it is. But that does not mean it is always easy. Real kindness requires something from us. It requires us to pay attention. It asks us to step outside of ourselves long enough to notice that another person may be struggling. It means following through, reaching out, speaking up, and sometimes showing up when it is inconvenient.

Kindness is not simply telling someone that you appreciate them. It is showing them. It is action. This week’s Torah portion, Ki Teitzei, contains 74 commandments—more than any other Torah portion. Among them are commandments to return lost items, pay workers on time, prevent avoidable harm, treat people fairly, and protect the vulnerable.

There is a great deal contained within this parsha, but the message that stays with me is simple: We are responsible for how we treat one another. Not just when it is easy. Not just when other people are watching. Not just when we will receive something in return.

Somewhere along the way, it feels as though kindness has become........

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