It is heartbreaking to see the level of polarization and hatred climbing to frightening heights. It is disappointing to see people who are supposed to understand a thing or two about public responsibility, and they are fanning a fire that could burn down the whole house. And most frustrating is the fact that it is impossible to have a substantive discussion about almost anything.
At such a time, it is essential to strengthen and establish the central foundation of our existence – Jewish unity. Even if we differ greatly in our positions and ways of life, we are all Jews. Even if the actions of one person greatly anger another, we must not forget that ultimately we are all brothers, and as Joseph's brothers said: "We are all sons of one man.".
Another point of view
In the heat of public controversy, statements are being heard today that challenge this assertion.
""We are not brothers," "We have nothing in common," some people say and write. Presumably, these are expressions of anger and frustration, but when they are heard over and over again, they may become fixed in the minds of some of the public.
At this point, the teachings of Hasidism come to our aid, establishing the deep unity of all members of the Jewish people. The natural tendency is to judge people by their behavior, actions, views, and so on. These cause us to label others as good or bad, positive or negative, who is for us and who is against us. But Hasidism teaches us to look inward, beyond the outer layers.
A central and fundamental chapter in the Tanya (Chapter 4) guides us to see the essence of our essence in the soul and not in the body. The differences between us are related to the body, and it is what creates the distinction between 'I' and 'you'. The body includes behaviors, emotions, thoughts, and ideological positions. All of these are related to the body.
But there is a soul within us, which stands above all this, and there is no 'I' and no 'you'. There is one essence, united, indivisible.
Observing this insight and internalizing it gives a completely different perspective on the other Jew. You learn to attach much less importance to all things that emanate from the body, and to see that the soul in him is his essence. This way of seeing turns every Jew, whoever he may be and whatever his actions and opinions may be, into a precious diamond.
'One 'camp'
This is the deep meaning of our being brothers. The connection between one Jew and another is unconditional, and does not depend on agreement with their opinions and actions. And not only because 'one does not choose family,' but because in our innermost being we are one essence, like one great soul divided into many bodies.
Therefore, when a Jew anywhere in the world is in distress – I care. When a Jew asks for my help, I will not check which 'camp' he belongs to, but will help him with all my heart, as I help my brother. And when our enemies harm a Jew, whoever he may be – our hearts are torn and aching. Because he is our brother.
This recognition must be cultivated and deepened. The more we establish it, the more we will understand that it is possible to argue without breaking the vessels and without destroying our common home. Let us seek what is common, not what divides, and we will overcome this obstacle as well.
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