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It would seem self-obvious that faced with all of the problems and attacks that rain on the religious Jewish society here in Israel, a modicum of unity between the different factions within that society is a timely necessity. However the bitter truth is that each of the factions that make up religious Jewry are much more interested in conformity than in unity. I believe that for mainly personal reasons, which are always cloaked in ideology and differences of detail and nuance, this goal of unity has never been achieved here in Israel. The inner disputes in the religious camp over leadership, patronage and personal advancement dwarf any basic ideological differences that may truly exist. This in turn leads to impossible demands of conformity from one group to another so that in turn this defeats any true possibility of unity from arising.
To me it is pretty obvious that unity requires people of flexibility, tolerance and the willingness to put aside purely personal considerations of honor and reward for the general public good. And that apparently is a lot to ask from people who have clawed their way to top positions in their group or party. "Who walks first at the head of the line?" is a powerful impediment to unity.
A leading American politician once famously said that all politics are local. To a great extent all politics are also personal. The history of Israeli political life is one of bitter personal feuds. This has always been an impediment to a sense of unity in the country. While I certainly agree that it is difficult to overcome human nature, which turns all tactical disagreements and ideological differences into personal feuds, nevertheless we should expect – even demand – a certain greatness from our political and religious leaders that can counterbalance this all too human weakness. In Jewish history we have the example of the Bnei Beteira who relinquished their rule in favor of Hillel in order to advance and unify the people. Because of their example we find that the later disagreements between the houses of Shamai and Hillel never turned personal. These great people achieved a sense of unity within Israel by avoiding the temptation of trying to impose conformity. And when the personality differences are ignored or mitigated, conformity will not find any nurturing soil in which to grow. The entire premise of the Mussar movement in nineteenth century Lithuania was based on the reduction of ego and personal disputes as the basis for achieving unity and not conformity in the Jewish world. Perversely, as all dictators have shown, it is easier to enforce conformity than to achieve unity. Nevertheless we should pursue the goal of unity in all areas of our individual, family, communal and national lives.
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
