The shades of the people of Israel were likened to the seven branches of the menorah. Each and every one of the seven branches shines with its own unique light, and thus in the people of Israel there are several paths and approaches, and each and every one of them contributes to the perfection of the people. The twelve tribes also represent twelve paths in the work of the Creator, and each and every one of them has its own beauty.
This is actually the deep meaning of the unity of Israel. True unity does not mean uniformity. If everyone is made of one skin and thinks the same thought, there is no need to unify things, since in the first place there is only one thing. The greatness of unity lies precisely in tolerating a variety of opinions and differences in approach and style, with the understanding that the diverse mosaic is what brings about perfection.
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Not every plant is a flower.
But does this mean that every position and every opinion is worthy of respect and inclusion within the seven branches of the menorah? If we say that there are many and varied drinks, is every liquid a refreshing and quenching drink? If we explain that many flowers bloom in a garden, is everything that grows from the ground a magnificent flower?
Indeed, not everything is a shining candle. What all seven branches of the Menorah have in common is that they all spread light. Although each and every one of the branches shines with its own unique light and shade, they all shine. Whoever wants to throw sand at the candles, claiming that this is also a legitimate way to spread light – we will clearly not accept this as part of the beautiful and positive diversity within us. This is exactly where the line is drawn.
The diversity of opinions and approaches can also be compared to the diversity of troops within an army. Each army has a unique style of operation, and there may also be differences of opinion among the commanders of the troops. But what they all have in common is that they serve one country and strive for one goal – protecting the country and its inhabitants and deterring any enemy. It is impossible for there to be any soldier within the army who would strive for opposite goals.
The shared truth
As Jews, we have one central truth, which we received at Mount Sinai, and that is the Torah. This is the menorah that is common to all of us. This is the goal to which we are all supposed to strive. How do we do this? – Here there is room for a variety of approaches and styles, as they have developed in the Jewish people over the generations. Each and every one of the paths has its unique virtues, just as there is special beauty and grace in the variety of styles of prayer and the melodies sung in synagogues.
But there are wrong paths that do not lead to the common goal, and they need to be corrected. However, the unity of Israel also means a deep sense of connection and belonging for every Jew, even a stray Jew. If correction is necessary, we will do it with love, because every Jew is a brother, part of the great family of the people of Israel.
There must be no confusion, striving for unity does not mean giving up on views and positions. It is possible to be united even if one does not agree, and even when there are sharp differences of opinion. It is possible to feel respect for each other even if one believes that the other is completely wrong, and even when he firmly opposes his opinion. Unity takes into account that "their opinions are not equal," and it finds the common point, the strongest of all the differences and differences between one person and another and between one community and another.
