For almost two thousand years, we have been wrapped in mourning during these days, the days of counting the Omer. Every child knows the story of the great disaster that struck the people of Israel at this time, with the loss of most of their teachers and leaders, all of whom were students of Rabbi Akiva. The sages noted the reason for the severe blow – "that they did not show respect to one another.".
We mourn during these weeks and are educated from a young age on the central message – love of Israel, respect for others. But internalizing these values and applying them in practical life is not an easy challenge. The fact is that redemption has not yet come, and hence the cause of the destruction and exile has not yet been fixed.
Caution: Fire
Unfortunately, in the past year, a serious rift has opened up among observant Jews, and this reality is putting us all to the test: Will we succeed in transcending and maintaining our adherence to love of Israel even in the face of painful things, or will we be dragged into an exchange of verbal blows, which quickly turns into an uncontrollable snowball fight?.
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Every morning we ask, "Do not bring me into temptation," because we do not always know how to stand the test. It is one thing to learn the story of the sages about the old man Hillel, who was infinitely patient even with that poor man who stood on Shabbat Eve at the door of his house and called out, "Who is here, Hillel?" It is another thing entirely to act according to this scale of values in real life.
But sometimes we are put to the test, and the nature of a test is that it is difficult and full of temptations. At that crucial moment, the urge provides us with countless reasons and justifications why we should fight back and not be among those who are offended and are not offended. As is its custom, it also dresses its arguments in the guise of Torah and fear of God, and then the challenge becomes doubly difficult.
The advice that will help us to stand the test is to remember constantly that sibling strife and hatred are like wild fires that consume everything. Two brothers, sharing the same room, may sometimes quarrel, but it would never occur to one of them to light a fire in his brother's bed. It is clear to him that the fire would consume his own bed as well, and with it the entire house.
Protest out of love
The annals of the great men of Israel throughout the ages are filled with exemplary stories of their escape from controversy, of exchanging good for evil, of accepting insults and slander with love, of their ability to love even their enemies. These are not idle stories, but rather a guide for all of us. These great figures set shining signs before us, so that we may follow the path they paved for us.
When it is necessary to voice a protest, it is essential to ensure that it comes from a loving heart, and does not increase hatred and hostility. Such a protest is also more accepted and effective, because the listener also feels that his well-being is sought and spoken to out of true love for Israel.
We must always remember that in our inner essence we are all one unit. On the physical side, there are differences between Jews and Jews. There is me and you, there are my opinions and your views; but on the soul side, there is only one unified essence – one people, beloved sons of the King of kings, the Blessed One. Toward this goal we must strive.
