Unity in Pain

Calls for unity are often the slogan after tragic events. The most recent horrific events in Meron are no different as Jewish leaders call for unity.

This Shabbos will bless the month of Sivan in which we mark the anniversary of the Revelation at Sinai 3333 years ago.

On Rosh Chodesh, the first day of the month of Sivan the Torah tells us that the Jews camped in the Sinai Desert in front of Mt. Sinai – as one person with one heart.

Our Torah teachings tell us that unity among our People can be the cause for blessing and G-d forbid the opposite is true as well. It begs the question why? Why is unity such a big deal and why is the go-to response in times of challenge? For that matter why does the Torah make such a big deal about the camping of the Jewish People at Mt. Sinai as one person with one heart?

There are definitely spiritual components to unity being a vessel for blessings. In fact, in the amida prayer we say 354 days a year, in the Sim Shalom blessing we say “bless us our Father, all of us as one”. This means that when we are as one, we are able to receive the blessing of our Father.

But there is more.

As we evolve in our understanding of the human condition and our understanding of the development of our psycho-emotional systems, perhaps there is more to this than just a slogan and a dogmatic response.

In fact, we understanding the greatest contributor to healthy child development is connection.

Connection to a loving and caring parent or caretaker. That need doesn’t change it just shows up differently as an adult.

This need extends to others outside of our own families and includes friends and community.

This need exists deep within us as manifest in the isolation we’ve all felt these past 15 months and our yearning to reconnect with community.

When we feel connected to each other we are happy and healthier. When we are happier and healthier, we are able to be more productive. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy in the best possible way. We are connected so we are happy, we are happy so we are there in service of others, the world is a better place.

Do it because you believe in the teachings of our Torah or because you see the human value or perhaps these are one and the same, regardless, let’s not just rise above our differences but embrace them.

G-d is found in the differences, in the multiplicity of our complex world. See the Divine in the other. Together we can bring about blessing into our lives with love and light.

I hope to unite with you at the Shavous celebrations. Click here for all the details.

With all my love,
Good Shabbos.

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