United

We are united. In Israel and everywhere else, Jews are intrinsically united.

There’s intense debate about whether to end the fighting now in order to save hostages. Still, both sides want to save their fellow Jews. They are just fighting about how to do it, who to save first (individuals vs security for the nation) etc. But everyone is on the same page regarding saving Jewish lives.

And even when Jews demonstrate against Israel, demanding that Israel stop fighting in Gaza, they are doing so because they subscribe to the Jewish teaching that all life is important. (They are misguided in that they ignore the imperative of self-defence. And when they say that Israel is occupying stolen land, they are mistaken; because G-d, Who owns everything, gave the land of Israel to Abraham Isaac and Jacob and to Jacob’s descendants, the Jewish people.) They are wrong, but nevertheless they  are promoting what they feel are Jewish values.

So we are all united. We differ on certain aspects. But we all identify as Jews. And we are all trying to relate to our respective understanding of Jewish values.

There’s a joke about why, when two Jews meet, traditionally one Jew says Sholom Aleichem (peace unto you) and the other answers Aleichem Sholom (unto you peace). Why the opposite?

And the answer is, because Jews traditionally disagree. “You say Sholom Aleichem? I say the opposite, Aleichem Sholom.”

Meanwhile, they are both wishing each other peace. Just arguing about how to do so.

We are united. We care about Jewish values. We try to help one another. We just disagree sometimes on the best way to do it.

But when October 7 happened, Jews of all stripes rushed into danger to help others.

And when hostages are freed, all Jews feel a sense of relief and comfort.

And now so many Jews are striving to find out more about their heritage.

And celebrities stand up to support Israel.

And we see G-d Almighty reciprocate. We see the many miracles happening now.

And we look forward to the coming Redemption, when the entire Jewish people, including past generations going back to Abraham, will dance together in the third Temple.

And then our unity and love and caring will shine brightly.

And the entire world will know, that G-d is everywhere, and that His people are truly united with Him and with each other.

May it happen very soon.