My Synagogue Was Attacked. I Still Welcome the Stranger

Some teachings, such as, "Love your neighbor" or, "Care for your community," are shared by almost every religious or ethical practice. From an evolutionary standpoint, that makes sense: In the long run, the group does better than the individual. But welcoming strangers, let alone caring for them, does not come naturally. I was reminded recently that our brains aren't wired for it. Strangers are, by definition, unknown. The unknown often generates fear. Strangers, in this context, are harmful.