In recent years, there has been a growing sense that many have given up on cultivating the value of national unity. In its place, a dangerous process of separation has developed. There is more and more talk about tribes and groups. Today, the aspiration is that we will succeed in formulating a way in which these distinct groups can live in peace with each other, and this aspiration is also gradually becoming an ambitious dream.
One could call this deepening polarization, but this is merely a description of a situation and not an indication of its roots and causes. The real reason for this process lies in the distancing from the common cultural baggage that has united the Jewish people for generations. Without the foundations of Jewish heritage, it is difficult to forge a consciousness of one people.
Unity tolerates differences
If we omit the common ground shared by all members of the Jewish people, we truly get a collection of tribes and groups. What connects a Jew who immigrated from Russia with one who came from North Africa? What do a Jew from Mea Shearim and a young Tel Avivian have in common? What connects a Jew with clear 'right-wing' views with a Jew who holds sharp 'left-wing' positions?
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One thing unites us all – being Jews, connected to one Torah and a shared spiritual heritage. One observes more and the other less scrupulously, but we are all Jews and the Torah belongs to all of us. One sings the prayer in an Ashkenazi tune and the other sings it in an Eastern tune, but we all pray to one God and unite in saying, 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.' Even those who do not usually pray feel a sense of belonging to the prayer their ancestors prayed and to the tradition that is common to all of us.
Unity does not mean giving up on perceptions and positions. Its greatness lies in the ability to bear distances 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 the other is completely wrong, and even when he firmly opposes his opinion. Unity takes into account that 'their opinions are not equal,' and yet it finds the common point, stronger than all the differences and differences between one person and another.
The roots of Jewish unity lie 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 foundation casts a solid anchor for maintaining unity even in the face of disagreements and differences.
The children's demonstration
Jewish unity in all its beauty can be seen in the Lag BaOmer processions. Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai was blessed with the fact that his day of celebration – Lag BaOmer – succeeds in uniting hundreds of thousands of Israeli children. It is moving to see every year the multitudes of children, from every class, community, sect and way of life, marching together in a demonstration of love for Israel and love of the Torah.
These processions have enormous value in breaking down the barriers that separate parts of the people. Suddenly it is clear that we are all members of one people and that all these barriers are artificial and baseless. The children's processions demonstrate a clear message – we are not a collection of tribes and groups. We are not separated by different worldviews and views. We are all Jews, and the foundation that connects us is strong and solid. Thanks to this unity, we will also deserve the imminent redemption.
