The commandment “You shall not murder” teaches that we must never sever any possible connection with another person and always judge others favorably. We should see in every person a potential for connection, even if we feel that they hate us, do not understand us, or are incapable of connecting with us, or if we ourselves feel alienated from them.
In every situation, we should avoid cutting off the connection. Instead, we should let the other person receive the spirit of life and connection through us. This is what it means not to “murder” them.
In this context, “murder” means depriving another person of their connection to the “light of Life,” to the “air to breathe” that exists within the bond between us. By breaking that connection, we cut them off from the vital force that flows through human unity.
The commandment therefore calls upon us to preserve and nurture every opportunity for connection, regardless of the difficulties or divisions that might arise between us.
Based on “New Life 159 – The Ten Commandments, Part 2” with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.