Baseless hatred – it’s time to stop it.
As we once again approach the fast of the 9th of Av, we are again reminded of the causes of the destruction of the two Temples.
The first Temple was destroyed due to the three cardinal sins of idolatry (pagan worship), illicit sexual relations (adultery and incest), and murder. Yet as a people we atoned for those sins and the second Temple was built. We are told that the destruction of the second Temple was due to one sin: Sinat Chinam, baseless hatred. Just think about that for a minute, baseless hatred equals the other three cardinal sins.
Clearly, our current behaviour means that we have not atoned sufficiently as we are still awaiting the Mashiach.
And that is the point. When are we going to stop with the baseless hatred?
Will our politicians behave during the election campaign with dignity and not discuss personalities? Will people be allowed to pray on Yom Kippur in Tel Aviv as per their religious preference without interference? Nobody is compelled to join the Service.
Will the press be a little more sensitive in use of language? It’s time to stop labelling people. I am not expressing a view one way or the other but, only in Israel are the government referred to as right wing. Nobody calls the current UK government left wing / left of centre.
We have serious issues to resolve such as conscription but let’s be polite about it. Civil disobedience whatever your cause is not justified. Blocking roads whatever your cause is unacceptable, particularly when people are trying to get to a hospital.
It’s time to turn down the heat and just speak nicely to and about each other.
The following idea is based on the writings of a friend of mine in England, Rabbi Shaul Khalili, and I have used them with his permission.
Parshat Yitro recounts the arrival of Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro (Jethro), at the Israelite camp in the wilderness. The Torah explains that he came after hearing about the extraordinary miracles Hashem had performed for the Jewish people during the exodus from Egypt.
Yet Yitro was not the only one who heard these reports. The surrounding nations heard them as well. What then, made Yitro different? Rashi asks, “What did he hear that caused him to come?” The emphasis is not merely on what Yitro heard, but on the fact that he came. Many people hear inspiring ideas, discuss them, and even admire them. Yitro took the next step: he translated inspiration into action.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe ZT” L (1902-1994) develops this idea in HaYom Yom (23 Tevet). He explains that an emotional reaction or even a heartfelt sigh is like a key. A key, however, serves no purpose unless it is used to open a door. Feeling inspired is only the beginning; its purpose is to move us to action. As the Rebbe writes, “Groaning by itself won’t do a bit of good. A groan is only a key to open the heart and eyes, so as not to sit there with folded arms, but to plan orderly work and activity.” Every individual has unique abilities with which to contribute—one through teaching, another through writing, another through public speaking, and another through using his material resources to strengthen Torah and mitzvot or the welfare of others.
This is a timeless lesson for all of us. We are constantly exposed to inspiring books, conversations, shiurim and experiences. Yet inspiration alone does not transform a person. Real growth begins when an idea changes the way we live.
Like Yitro, we should not be satisfied with appreciating what is right; we should ask ourselves what practical step we can take today. Even one small action has the power to turn inspiration into reality and end the baseless hatred.
It’s time to make a real start on removing baseless hatred –
not just talking about it.
As an aside please join me in the “Smiling at soldiers” project.
Our Chayalim are carrying an unbelievable burden in helping defend us. After the 7th of October, buying meals for soldiers was normal. But the war and miluim continue.
So next time you see soldiers, go over thank them, tell them how much how much you appreciate them and wish them “Hatzlacha Raba.”
You will see their faces light up.
Who knows you might just prevent another PTSD disaster.
