Must There be so Many Different Jewish People?
There is a friction between the different Jewish communities that occaisionally erupts into bitter conflict, harsh words and sad rumour which weakens the Jewish people and prevents achdus (unity).
Many say Am Yisra-l Chai (the people of Isra-l Lives), but they are quick to qualify who is Jewish.
A simple man once approached a holy rabbi and asked, “Rebbe, why must there be so many different kinds of Jewish people? There are those whose Divine service is mainly focused on prayer, other groups who make Torah study their main focus, others who champion social issues and yet other groups who primarily serve Hashem with joy. Why must there be so many different factions amongst the Jewish people?”
“Instead of asking me,” responded the holy rabbi, “go and ask the Russian Tzar! Inquire as to why he needs so many types of soldiers. Some of his military are soldiers who fight on horseback, others who fire the cannons; sailors who brave the sea; and infantrymen!
”The reason,” continued the holy rabbi, “is that each type of soldier serves the Tzar in his own unique way. A foot soldier is unable to fight on horseback; a soldier who mans the cannon is capable of doing battle over great distances; even the soldiers who sound the trumpets have an important job, for their trumpet blasts strengthen the hearts of the soldiers in the battlefields.
“This is why” concluded the holy rabbi, “the Jewish community is divided into various groups as well. Each group contributes in its own unique way and together we will strengthen the Jewish people.”
Let us all hope that we can all see the day when all people can unite in the common cause of mercy, goodness, and brotherhood for on that day we will be surely blessed.
