The wounds in the fabric of the Jewish people, which opened during the last election campaign, have not yet healed, and there are those who choose to continue the divisive discourse that erupted in those days. But we all know that beneath the foam of polemics and disagreements lies a strong and steadfast core of unity.
Look how we were able to help our people who were in distress in Nepal. No one asked whether those travelers belonged to this camp or another, or whether they voted right or left. Suddenly, in the moment of truth, we all feel like Jews, brothers, and the distress of one is the distress of many.
Rashbi was awarded
The idea of unity does not necessarily mean giving up views and positions. The whole greatness of unity lies in the ability to tolerate gaps and differences. 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 one's friend is completely wrong, and even when he firmly opposes his opinion. Unity means gathering around the common point, stronger than all the differences between one person and another.
Jewish unity is rooted in the common essence of all parts of the Jewish people. We are all sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In every Jew resides a soul that is "a part of God from above." We have one God, one Torah, one land. This common denominator provides a solid anchor for strengthening unity even against the backdrop of differences of opinion and differences in lifestyles and customs.
Jewish unity in all its beauty can be seen in the Lag BaOmer processions. Blessed is Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai, whose day of celebration – Lag BaOmer – succeeds in uniting hundreds of thousands of Israeli children around the Torah and its commandments. It is exciting to see every year the multitudes of children, from every class, community, sect and lifestyle, marching together in a demonstration of love for Israel and love for the Torah.
In our polarized times, these processions have enormous value in breaking down the barriers that separate parts of the people. The atmosphere that has been created recently has raised a wall between parts of the public. This wall is liable to prevent millions of Jews, whose souls thirst for the Jewish word, from turning to the right address. Here, in the Lag B'Omer processions, they suddenly feel that we are all one people and that all these barriers are artificial and baseless.
To be excited and happy
In fact, Lag BaOmer processions are nothing more than a new take on an ancient Jewish tradition that took place on this day. In Israeli communities, teachers used to go out into the field with their students, play archery games, tell them about Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai, and give the children a unique Jewish experience. Today, we realize this basic idea through processions.
It is impossible not to be amazed at the sight of thousands of children, infants of Beit Rabban, 'a place without sin,' who place their hands over their eyes and shake the air with the cry, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one." It is impossible not to be filled with joy at the sight of the miraculous unity of children from all segments of the population, who prove by their very gathering that our Jewish roots are stronger than all attempts to separate us.
And may the unity of the children of Israel on this auspicious day accelerate the great procession of the entire people of Israel toward our righteous Messiah.
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