Unity – Not a pipe dream!!!

Unity – is it more than just a pipe dream?

I crave many things but most of all I crave Unity!

As much of the world heads to extremes and hatred and as we continue to see ourselves more through what divides us I crave it even more.

But what is it beyond slogans and naivety????

As I sit on a 12 hour flight mulling the world I thought for hours on this topic (the film choices were not good).

Two very great people inspire me in this regards- the late Lubavitcher Rebbe and the late Chief Rabbi Sacks.

They said the following four beautiful quotes amongst others:

The Rebbe:

“It is crucial that we see ourselves as a unified people, not just in times of crisis, but in our everyday lives and actions.”

“Unity is not achieved by erasing our differences but by appreciating and celebrating them within the context of our common goal.”

Rabbi Sacks:

“The Jewish people are a family. Families can argue and disagree, but they remain bound by shared memories, collective responsibility, and mutual destiny.”

“Judaism teaches that our strength lies in our diversity, that we are each created in the image of God but uniquely so, and that it is our diversity that contributes to the wholeness of the world.”

What is unity?

We are all different, like a complex but loving family. We should never hope for a unity designed by all being the same but rather learning to respect differences and focusing on common goals.

We have common goals – irrespective of your religion or faith.

Defeat the evil of terror and fundamentalism which aims to impose a singular view on the world

Work together to raise our children in a way that appreciates and respects differences.

I am not naive truly…I have strong views on topics and disagree with many but I can still strive to seek a common goal and strive for unity.

I will keep pushing this message and hope that even one person is influenced by this. I know so many people who feel the same.

On this the 30th anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing I pray in his merit we will retain our sense of unity.