Rav Amar: Unity via a Torah Perspective
2 articles about Rav Amar appeared in today's headlines:
VIN: Jerusalem - Rav Shlomo Amar: The Biggest Danger Klal Yisrael Faces Is Ourselves, Not Terrorism
A7: Chief Sephardic Rabbi: Bolt Coalition if Conversion Law Fails
He shows us that we need to be united, but being united doesn't mean to compromise on Torah values. These must stay intact while we show our love to one another.
posted by yaak @ 7/18/2010 03:15:00 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Rav Amar is absolutely right. Hatred and discrimination among Jews are preventing the coming of Moshiach.
But hatred and discrimination are only a result of societal pressure. This pressure to succeed, this competitiveness that pushes you to be better than the other guy. The frustration of never really achieving your goals. Always having to kiss up to your boss and always having to be friendly to people at work who you really cannot stand. Always being afraid of losing your job and always having to watch your back. Always being afraid of arab terrorists or of another war. Always being jealous of those more successful than you are because no matter how hard you try you can never get ahead in this dog eat dog life. I wish I could offer a solution to the problem of hatred and discrimination but it seems to me that the only solution to this problem is the coming of the Moshiach. So Rav Amar, as a simple hard-working person, I ask you what came first the chicken or the egg.
I do not believe that the analysis of Rav Amar is correct. The lack of unity is not, primarily, because of materialism. It never was. The main cause is our lack of appreciation of other Jews, our lack of humility towards others. The truth is divided over Klal Yisrael. We must look for the truth held by those we disagree with - accept the truth from who says it. The Mishna says that in the end of days the truth is "Ne'ederet". Chazal explain Ne'ederet as split over Adarim. The good news is that the Truth exists, can be found. Look for the truth that you lack among Jews who differ from you.
Regarding Torah values and unity, your remark is correct. Unity cannot come at the cost of the truth that we hold. This, however, has another side. Do not expect others to let go of the truth that they hold.
Regarding materialism, society has developed such that many families need one income to only pay for the mortgage of a house. The problem of the simple man is not that he is materialistic. He is struggling to live and have roof above his head and to give his children what they need. What happened in the US is happening in Israel. Also in Israel, the simple man can no longer afford to buy a house from his salary. The economic crisis occurred when many struggling families in the US could no longer manage. Also in Israel, many families struggle. It is not because they are materialistic. It is not, primarily, because others are materialistic. Seven billion people live on a planet with limited resources and it is getting tight. Prices, in real terms, go up.
Post a Comment
<< Home