There is a very divisive tide spreading across the Jewish community. Media, politics and anti-faith attitudes have caused many to dismiss and walk away from the faith, culture and traditions that has united the Jewish community for countless years.

Some many Jewish communities have struggled with the assault of science and technology that has led many to question the validity of faith. The many different Jewish groups (Zionist, Orthodox, Reform, Chabad, etc.) have caused many Jewish people to think that the dissimilarities and disagreements between these various groups are all hostile to one another, and not wishing to be part of the antagonism, leave the faith.

True, there are differences. Some are irreconcilable, with a society that openly tolerates anti-Semitic tirades and physical attacks of Jewish people on the streets, why must we hate each other?

There needs to be a common ground that the Jewish community can agree to act in a united way against this mutual threat. Those that hate Jewish people, who engage in violence against Jewish people don’t distinguish between the different groups of Jewish people. Some pray, others are charitable, some engage in political pressure while others pursue social justice issues.

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A simple man once approached a great and holy rabbi and asked, “Rebbe, why must there be so many kinds of Jewish people? There are those whose Divine service is mainly focused on prayer, other groups who make Torah study their main focus, and yet other groups who primarily serve Hashem with joy. I just don’t understand why there must be so many different factions amongst the Jewish people?”

“Instead of asking me,” responded the holy rabbi, “go and ask the king. Inquire as to why he needs so many types of soldiers. Making up his military are soldiers who fight on horse¬back, others who man the cannons; sailors; and infantrymen!

“The reason,” continued the holy rabbi, “is that each type of soldier serves the king in his own special way come wartime. 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 sol¬diers 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 nation is divided into various groups as well. Each group contributes in its own unique way, and together we will triumph in the war against the yetzer hara – the evil forces!”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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