Totality

You + totality& integrity.

What is the greater cause?

What does that mean these days?

We are individuals. We have a responsibility to ourselves. Yes that is important, it is where giving begins. But we are also part of an integral fabric. We are individually all part of a large tapestry that was GIFTED to us.

The word ‘totality’ kept coming to mind lately, especially with the current state of affairs, and how the world responds to the violent crimes committed on October 7th.

So I began to research the meaning of totality and I ended up down a long path.

The basic meaning is ;
A whole of something.

Then I came across  many articles on totality such as

in humanity

as a society

in psychology

buddhist thoughts

in the penal system

Jewish concepts

and on and on …

This delving into totality came up for me because of the way so many want to point accusatory fingers at Israel and all Jews.

I find it to be continuously absurd.

I think back on whenever traveling to our Homeland, Israel, I would simply delight in the excitement of the various groups; Christian or other faith based groups, and individuals all traveling to Israel for the very first time.

They were all so excited for this opportunity to see firsthand, the places in history, yes history, after studying about the Holy Land, and keenly aware that this was a land that was given to and dwelled by the Jews and they were looking forward to experiencing it all.

I would share sights with them that they would see, tell them that they will love the food, and that the people are always ready to help, to guide, and it is beautiful.

This past Spring, while sitting overlooking the beach in Tel Aviv, right next to me was a couple from Turkey. We started chatting. She was an English language teacher, so she liked the opportunity to test her skills with me. Her husband was a soft spoken man. I asked them if they were Christian or Moslem.

They were both very educated. He said that they moved away from his family and he no longer practices the Moslem faith. He had his reasons. She was Christian. I asked them what they thought of their time in Israel.

Their response: the food, the hospitality, the biblical sites, and Tel Aviv is such a modern city. We really enjoyed it. I had many of these encounters. Another time I happen to be sitting next  to a group of US Embassy workers on their day off they went from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv! Their day off happened to be a Rosh Chodesh.. first day of a new month.. they did not realize this, but I thought-  how unique to Israel and how wonderful! They shared with me how much they were glad that they came to fulfill their duty in Israel and it was a special learning experience.

I was always aware that in Israel, that if I ever needed information, or directions, they would help me right away. They would pull out their cellphones, tell me where to go, give me the hours for the establishment, talk to me. They are always ready to help. It’s a special feeling .

They love when people come to visit from all over and want to share the wonders, history, culture and innovations of the country. There is true diversity and for any world crisis they are ready to step up and always do. Giving and contributing is a part of their fiber. They have a clear concept of  the individual, yet maintain strong social responsibility and integrity.

No one is perfect, every nation has its faults, we have reckoned our own fallibility,

Yet, we value the totality of being that whole of something greater, a part of a greater cause.

They want growth, peace, and they are clear as to the value of humans and humanity.

They have been thrust into this survival war, painfully, not given a choice, not their first choice.

They know that it is the Nation of Israel and all Jews who will have to re-educate the World. To call out the truth. Not an easy task. It is the only task.