Unity in Diversity: Our Collective Journey towards Redemption

20 min read

The pursuit of redemption, the arrival of Mashiach, and the ultimate repair of the world is a shared endeavor by the entire Jewish nation. As we delve deeper into these profound concepts, we find a pervasive theme embedded within the intricate tapestry of our Jewish teachings – unity. Just as a single thread, when woven with others, contributes to a magnificent garment, each of us, too, is an indispensable part of the whole.

The esteemed kabbalist, the Arizal, teaches in the work “Etz Chaim” that all souls are interconnected, a concept akin to the interconnectivity present in the natural world, where every creature, plant, and molecule form an essential part of the grand design. This is mirrored in the human collective, with each person bringing their unique light to the world. Yet, it is precisely in this diversity that misunderstandings and divisions can arise.

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 98a) explores the idea of the delayed coming of the Mashiach and the redemption. Rabbi Joshua ben Levi asks Mashiach directly, “When will you come?” The Mashiach answers, “Today.” However, when Mashiach doesn’t arrive that day, Rabbi Joshua goes back to Elijah the Prophet and complains, to which Elijah replies, “What Mashiach meant was – today, if you will listen to His voice” (Psalms 95:7). This teaches us that the redemption and coming of Mashiach depend on our collective actions, on our unity and adherence to the voice of HaShem.

The unity of our people is deeply tied to our responsibilities towards one another. In the Mishneh Torah (De’ot 6:3), the great sage Maimonides explains the commandment of loving one’s fellow, emphasizing its universality. Our responsibility to “Love your fellow as yourself” extends to all people. The Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism, explained this point with a metaphor: A person is like a lengthy scroll, and every person you meet is a letter on that scroll. To fulfill the Torah, one needs every single letter. If you damage even one letter, the whole Torah scroll is not kosher. So too, if you damage another person, you damage the entire cosmic design.

Rabbi Akiva famously stated, “This is a fundamental principle in the Torah,” highlighting the importance of this commandment (Leviticus Rabbah 24:7). It’s through this lens that we must view our interactions with all individuals, no matter their background, their beliefs, or their journey. It’s this understanding that is the key to rectifying the world, a profound tikun, and to hasten the coming of the Mashiach.

In Tikunei Zohar (30, 73b), the unity between the Jewish people and HaShem is compared to a knot. The term for “knot” in Hebrew, “kesher,” also means connection. Our unity is not just about the people; it’s about connecting to HaShem as well. As we strengthen this knot, we bring closer the era of Mashiach.

The idea of unity and its ties to redemption is further reflected in the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who authored the Zohar. In Zohar (Parashat Naso, 124b), he explains that when there is love, unity, and peace among us, HaShem’s name is complete, and there is no better vessel for blessings in the world.

When divisions arise, and we stray from the path of unity, we distance ourselves from the harmonious world of Atzilut, where the divine oneness pervades all existence. The Zohar (III, 178b) refers to this idea, revealing that it is through the shedding of false self-identities and breaking down of the ego that one can ascend to this level of awareness, becoming a conduit for divine light and contributing to the global Tikkalun Olam.

Unresolved misunderstandings, false perceptions, and divisions within and beyond our community risk causing a chillul HaShem, a desecration of God’s name. This is particularly crucial in our interactions with those outside of our faith, whether they are African Americans, New Testament believers, or those seeking to convert to Judaism. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) discusses the profound impact of chillul HaShem, asserting that it is one of the most severe sins, for it drives a wedge between the people and HaShem. It sows discord where unity should be nurtured.

So how can we, as a community, address these divisions and work towards our shared goal of bringing the redemption and the Mashiach closer? We can find a profound lesson in the words of our forefather Avraham. In the Midrash Tanchuma (Lech Lecha 6), Avraham is likened to a container of fragrant spices: When it is sealed, its fragrance is contained, but once opened, its aroma spreads out. This metaphor encapsulates the role of every Jew – to spread the beautiful aroma of Torah and mitzvot, to share its wisdom and light with all who wish to partake.

The essence of this lesson is reflected in the teachings of King Solomon in Mishlei (Proverbs 3:17), “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” It means the ways of Torah and those who follow it must exemplify kindness and foster peace. Our responsibility, then, is to ensure that every encounter a person has with Judaism and its followers brings them closer to HaShem, not further away.

It is in this spirit of spreading the Torah’s light that we approach the deeply personal journey of converts. The process of conversion is profound, often fraught with numerous challenges. We find a compelling narrative in the story of Ruth, a figure of extraordinary commitment, loyalty, and courage. Ruth’s conversion is a paradigm of sincere spiritual yearning, her journey culminating in her becoming the ancestor of King David and, eventually, the Mashiach himself.

In the Talmud (Yevamot 47b), we find guidance on how to approach converts: “When he comes to convert, one says to him: What did you see that motivated you to come to convert? Do you not know that the Jewish people at this time are anguished, suppressed, despised, and harassed, and hardships are frequently visited upon them?” This passage illustrates the diligence with which we scrutinize a convert’s motivations. However, once a convert has demonstrated sincere commitment, the Talmud continues, “we accept him immediately.” Thus, we must remember that our approach towards potential converts should be rooted in kindness and understanding, fostering an environment conducive to their spiritual growth.

A similar principle applies to our interactions with people of different faiths and ethnicities. Misunderstandings, suspicions, and perceived schisms can create significant barriers, but these are not insurmountable. We turn to the wisdom of Rabbi Hillel, who, when asked to summarize the entire Torah while standing on one foot, responded, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Go and learn it” (Shabbat 31a). This principle underscores the universal relevance of the Torah’s teachings and the pivotal role of empathy in human interactions.

The overarching lesson from these teachings is that all our interactions, be they within our community or with those outside it, should be defined by love, respect, and understanding. This is not merely a matter of maintaining harmonious relations; it goes to the very heart of our mission in hastening the era of Mashiach. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 24:7) tells us that the Second Temple was destroyed due to baseless hatred (sinat chinam), and that the final redemption will only come when we have replaced this baseless hatred with baseless love (ahavat chinam).

The words of our sages echo in our times as we face similar trials. Our divisions and disagreements may differ in their specifics, but the root cause remains the same – a lack of understanding and love for our fellow human beings. Thus, the path to rectification and the hastening of the Mashiach is clear. As the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, would often say, every act of goodness and kindness brings the Mashiach closer.

Therefore, let us strive to foster understanding and unity among ourselves, reaching out to those seeking to convert, building bridges with communities outside our own, and dispelling misunderstandings and prejudices wherever we find them. Only then can we hope to achieve our shared goal, a world imbued with the knowledge and love of HaShem.

When we reflect on the journeys of our forefathers, we are reminded that they, too, faced formidable challenges and misunderstandings. Yet, their unwavering faith and commitment to spreading the light of Torah serve as a beacon for us, guiding our actions in a world often characterized by divisions and misunderstandings. By emulating their humility and commitment to unity, we can contribute to the global Tikkun Olam, thus becoming part of the grand divine plan leading us to the redemption and the era of Mashiach.

In the teachings of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, also known as the Ramchal, we find a profound insight into the process of personal and communal transformation. In his seminal work, Mesillat Yesharim (Path of the Just), the Ramchal expounds upon the middah (character trait) of “zehirut” (vigilance or mindfulness). He suggests that an individual must always be cognizant of their actions, ensuring that they align with the commandments of the Torah. This heightened awareness of our actions, words, and even thoughts, represents an essential step towards self-improvement, and ultimately, the repair of the world.

The Ramchal’s insights bear relevance to our communal responsibilities as well. As we strive to build bridges and resolve misunderstandings within and beyond our community, we must approach these tasks with a sense of zehirut. We must be mindful of the way we treat others, the words we use, and the impressions we leave. Only then can we hope to manifest the divine unity of Atzilut in our world, hastening the era of Mashiach.

The ultimate goal of our efforts is the realization of a prophecy conveyed by Zechariah (14:9), “And the LORD shall become King over all the Earth; on that day shall the LORD be One, and His name One.” This verse encapsulates our mission – to usher in a time when the entire world will recognize HaShem’s unity and sovereignty. In working towards this future, each one of us plays a crucial role. Our collective efforts in rectifying our own character traits, fostering unity, dispelling misunderstandings, and embodying the Torah’s teachings in our interactions can bring this prophetic vision to fruition.

As we strive towards these lofty goals, let us remember the wisdom of King David, as expressed in the Psalms (34:15), “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” These simple yet profound words serve as a guiding principle for our journey towards redemption. Let us strive to embody this principle in all our endeavors, turning away from negativity, pursuing peace, and doing good in every way possible.

The wisdom of King Solomon further deepens our understanding of this journey. In his wisdom book, Proverbs, Solomon advises us: “With all your acquisitions, acquire understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). The essence of this verse is not just the pursuit of knowledge, but the application of that knowledge in our daily lives to foster understanding and peace. In a world marked by divisions and misunderstandings, these words ring particularly true. The wisdom of the Torah and our sages provide us not only with knowledge but also with guidance on how to use this knowledge to create a world more closely aligned with the divine will.

This guidance leads us back to the wisdom of Rabbi Akiva, who famously declared the verse “Love your fellow as yourself” as the great principle of the Torah. If we truly internalize this principle and let it guide our actions, the boundaries between communities can dissolve, leading to unity and mutual respect.

However, our endeavors must be rooted in the recognition of the divinity and unity of HaShem, as echoed in the Shema prayer: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). This profound declaration of faith serves as the foundation upon which we build our understanding and relationships. It reminds us that beneath the apparent multiplicity and diversity of our world lies a unifying divine essence.

The prophet Samuel, teaches us the transformative power of prophecy, which is essentially the capacity to see the world through God’s eyes. We find a profound example of this in the prophet Isaiah’s vision of the future, where he prophecies: “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).

The attainment of this prophetic vision hinges on our collective efforts to foster unity, love, and understanding. As we work to embody these principles, we bring the world closer to a state of perfection, a state where the knowledge of God is as pervasive as the waters that cover the sea. This is the world of the Mashiach, a world of peace, unity, and divine knowledge. It is towards this world that we strive, and each step we take in this direction hastens its arrival.

In the Sefer Zerubbabel, an apocalyptic text from the 7th century, we find a vision of the end of days that encapsulates our shared responsibility for hastening the coming of the Mashiach. It speaks of epic battles, periods of strife, and challenges that humanity must face and overcome. Embedded within these narratives is an important message for us: the pathway to redemption is fraught with difficulties, yet it is a journey we must undertake, collectively, as a unified global community.

These challenges offer opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation, both personal and communal. Each struggle we overcome, each act of kindness we perform, each bridge we build between communities, brings us one step closer to the redemption we yearn for.

In the context of our discussion, the Sefer Zerubbabel serves as a reminder that the challenges we face in fostering understanding and unity are part of our collective journey towards redemption. Our struggles to bridge divides, foster mutual respect, and dispel misunderstanding are the battles we must face, the challenges we must overcome.

When we encounter resistance or prejudice, we must remember the wisdom of our forefather Avraham. Despite being a lone believer in a world that did not recognize the One True God, Avraham persevered, spreading his monotheistic beliefs with kindness and hospitality. His dedication to his faith and his commitment to righteous living provide a model for us as we navigate our own path towards redemption.

In the Mishneh Torah, Maimonides, also known as the Rambam, outlines the laws of repentance, emphasizing the transformative power of teshuvah, which goes beyond simply rectifying past misdeeds. Genuine teshuvah involves a deep, transformative process that affects the individual’s entire being, leading to a total renewal of character.

This concept of teshuvah is particularly relevant to our discussion. As individuals and as communities, we need to engage in a process of collective teshuvah, acknowledging our shortcomings, rectifying our misdeeds, and renewing our commitment to the principles of love, respect, and unity that the Torah commands us to embody.

We now stand on the brink of a new era, a world where the knowledge of God permeates every corner of existence. We bear a great responsibility, for each of our actions can hasten or delay this era of redemption. The path is laid before us; the choice is ours to make. Let us choose wisely and walk resolutely towards the future we yearn for, the era of the Mashiach and the redemption of the world.

To delve deeper into the transformative journey of teshuvah, we turn our attention to the Zohar, one of the central works of Kabbalah. In particular, Tikunei Zohar (Tikkun 30), illuminates the inner workings of repentance and redemption, offering profound insights into our path toward the era of Mashiach.

In this passage, the Zohar speaks of teshuvah as a return to our spiritual essence, our divine source. It describes the process of teshuvah as one of breaking down barriers, both within ourselves and between ourselves and others, revealing our inherent unity with all creation. It highlights the essential role of teshuvah in global Tikkun Olam, the repair of the world, and the hastening of the final redemption.

Drawing from the wellspring of Kabbalistic wisdom, we understand that teshuvah is not merely a personal or communal task. Rather, it’s a cosmic endeavor, integral to the fabric of existence itself. Every act of teshuvah, every moment of return to our divine source, reverberates throughout the cosmos, echoing the primordial harmony that once permeated existence.

In contemplating the esoteric dimensions of teshuvah, we encounter the teachings of the renowned Kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, known as the Ramchal. In his seminal work, Derech Hashem (The Way of God), the Ramchal speaks of the interconnectedness of all existence and the profound impact of human actions on the cosmic order. Each act of teshuvah, he explains, brings the world closer to its ultimate tikkun, its ultimate repair.

This cosmic perspective imbues our journey with an added layer of meaning and urgency. Every effort we make to bridge divides, foster understanding, and embody the Torah’s command of “Love your fellow as yourself,” resonates beyond our immediate surroundings. It contributes to the grand cosmic tikkun, bringing us closer to the era of the Mashiach and the redemption of the world.

To anchor these lofty teachings in the pragmatic sphere of daily life, let’s turn to the wisdom of Rabbi Isaac Luria, the Arizal. Known for his deep Kabbalistic insights, the Arizal also emphasized the importance of daily conduct in aligning ourselves with divine will and hastening redemption.

In the teachings of the Arizal, every physical action we undertake can serve as a conduit for spiritual illumination. The manner in which we speak, the way we interact with others, even the foods we consume – all can be elevated to acts of divine service when performed with the right intent. This perspective transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, and the mundane into the sacred.

Consider the act of eating, for instance. From a superficial standpoint, it is merely a biological necessity. Yet, in the wisdom of the Kabbalah, when we make a blessing over food and consume it with the intention of gaining strength to serve HaShem, we elevate the act of eating to a form of divine worship.

This approach offers a practical strategy for addressing the discord and misunderstanding that plague our communities. If we approach every interaction, every conversation, with the intention of fostering understanding and unity, we can transform these ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities for Tikkun Olam.

The teachings of King Solomon, Shlomo HaMelech, serve to further elucidate this point. In Proverbs, he tells us that “As water reflects the face back to the face, so one’s heart is reflected back to him by another” (Proverbs 27:19). This aphorism highlights the reciprocal nature of our interactions. If we approach others with understanding, respect, and love, they are likely to respond in kind.

This principle is not just applicable to our interactions within the Jewish community. It extends to our relationships with the wider world, including those who hold different beliefs and traditions. It serves as a potent antidote to the discord and misunderstanding that can hinder the process of redemption.

Indeed, the challenges we face in fostering unity and understanding are immense, but they are not insurmountable. With patience, empathy, and determination, we can help heal the wounds of the past and build bridges toward a more harmonious future.

And every step we take on this path brings us closer to our ultimate goal: the era of the Mashiach and the redemption of the world. We must remember that we are not merely passive observers in this process. We are active participants in the divine plan, imbued with the ability – and the responsibility – to bring about the redemption we yearn for.

At the heart of our mission lies the wisdom of our Torah and the teachings of our revered sages, who serve as our compass on the path to redemption. It is from their teachings that we glean the wisdom to navigate the complex terrain of our times, to mend the divisions that ail us and to fulfill our role in the grand cosmic tikkun.

Consider, for instance, the teachings of Rabbi Akiva, one of the most revered sages in our history. Known for his unrivaled scholarship, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his boundless love for every Jew, Rabbi Akiva’s life and teachings offer timeless wisdom for our current predicament.

One of the most famous teachings of Rabbi Akiva is: “Love your fellow as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). This simple yet profound commandment is at the heart of Rabbi Akiva’s ethical teaching, and indeed, at the heart of the Torah itself. In the eyes of Rabbi Akiva, this commandment encapsulates the essence of the Torah, serving as a guiding principle in our interactions with others, and our path to redemption.

When we truly love our fellow as ourselves, we see beyond the surface differences that divide us, to the divine essence that unites us. We see beyond the misconceptions and misunderstandings that fuel mistrust and discord, to the shared yearning for connection and unity. We see beyond the barriers that separate us, to the bridge of understanding that can unite us.

In times of division and misunderstanding, let us draw inspiration from Rabbi Akiva’s timeless wisdom. Let us strive to see the divine essence in every person, to honor the divine image in which we are all created. Let us strive to foster understanding and unity, in our communities and in the world at large.

As we journey towards redemption, we are guided by the luminous teachings of our Torah, and the wisdom of our sages. From the profound insights of the Kabbalah, to the practical wisdom of our halakhic tradition, our rich Jewish heritage offers us the tools we need to navigate the complexities of our times, and to hasten the coming of the Mashiach.

As we strive to fulfill our mission, let us remember the profound interconnectedness of all existence, and the tremendous power of our actions. Each act of kindness, each word of understanding, each gesture of respect, reverberates throughout the cosmos, echoing the primordial harmony of existence, and bringing us closer to the era of the Mashiach and the redemption of the world.

May we merit to see the fulfillment of the prophetic vision, as echoed in the words of the prophet Zechariah: “On that day, HaShem will be one, and His name one” (Zechariah 14:9). May we merit to witness the era of peace and harmony, of unity and understanding, as we journey towards the era of the Mashiach and the redemption of the world.

Indeed, the road may be long and fraught with challenges. Yet, guided by our Torah and our sages, fueled by our love for our fellow and our unwavering faith in HaShem, we march onward, firm in our commitment to play our part in the grand cosmic tikkun. In the spirit of Rabbi Akiva, may we live the principle of “Love your fellow as yourself”, and through this, may we hasten the coming of the Mashiach, speedily in our days, Amen.

Sources:

  • Zohar: III, 178b
  • Talmud: Yoma 86a (concept of Chillul Hashem)
  • Leviticus: 19:18 (concept of “Love your fellow as yourself”)
  • Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai: The Wisdom of the Kabbalah
  • Rabbi Isaac ben Solomon Luria, the Arizal: Teachings and Writings
  • Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, the Ramchal: Mesillat Yesharim, Derech Hashem
  • Rabbi Akiva: Pirkei Avot 3:14 (concept of love for every Jew)
  • Rabbi Shimon Kessin: Private lectures and published works
  • The Book of Prophets, Zechariah: 14:9

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