Faith

RIC_5229-1, a photo by rchoephoto on Flickr.

Faith is not a question of the existence or non-existence of God. It is believing that love without reward is valuable.

Emmanuel Levinas

for the Other

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Originally uploaded by rchoephoto

I am responsible for the Other without waiting for reciprocity, were I to die for it. Reciprocity is his affair. It is precisely insofar as the relation between the Other and me is not reciprocal that I am subjection to the Other; and I am "subject" essentially in this sense. It is I who support all... The I always has one responsibility more than all the others.

Emmanuel Levinas

Welcoming strangers

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Originally uploaded by rchoephoto

The other must always must have precedence over myself, not because she or he is necessarily congenial or shares my opinions, but simply because she or he is there and needs me.

Emmanuel Levinas
quoted and paraphrased by Dow Marmur, rabbi emeritus, Holy Blossom Temple, Our duty to welcome strangers, Toronto Star, September 6, 2010, A13