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It seems that your alignment leans more towards Neturei Karta than anything else. Referring to Israel as a “tragedy” is quite extreme, and it’s essential to assert that labeling it as such is unwarranted and, frankly, ridiculous (not sure how the editor allowed that statement of hate).
I’m concluding this conversation. My initial intention was not to provoke users into expressing hateful language
@mdd1 :
I would respectfully suggest that, considering your elevated spiritual level (Madreiga), attending the rally may not have aligned with your personal path. Therefore, opting to stay home might have been the right choice for you. However, let’s avoid labeling fellow Jews as wicked (resha’im). Instead of asserting an Issur against joining with those you perceive as wrongdoers, let’s engage in a more nuanced and respectful dialogue about our differing perspectives. Perhaps through such conversations, we can foster an environment that encourages unaffiliated Jews to reconnect with their faith.
@ujm & @common sechel:
Thank you for your response and warm welcome to the CR. I appreciate the opportunity to engage in this important discussion.
I understand your point about setting gedarim and respecting individual chumras. It’s crucial to maintain our standards while navigating the diversity within our community. However, I’d like to offer a clarification regarding the comparison I made.
My intention in referencing trade shows was not to equate them directly with a rally, but to convey the idea that at many shows, specifically the ones in Vegas, FL, and CA, there are aspects that could be categorized similarly to the concerns raised by the rabbanim about the rally. Let me conclude by emphasizing that I’m not here to nitpick various points, but rather to express my belief (just an opinion) that now more than ever, we need achtus and love regardless of where other yidden are holding. Let’s refrain from looking down at others and instead strive to bring everyone together. Achtus prevented the destruction of Migdal Bavel. It was only when Hashem mixed up the languages that achtus was broken, providing the ability to destroy it. Let’s focus on achtus rather than saying we can’t take part. There’s always a workaround that allows us to participate without compromising our standards.
I am compelled to share a sentiment that resonates within and beyond the Yeshivish circles, sparked by recent events such as the recommendation letter discouraging attendance at a Washington DC rally. Growing up in the Yeshivish community, I appreciate the solid foundation it provides and understand the value of sheltering individuals from influences that may not align with our beliefs. However, a crucial issue demands our attention.
Within the Yeshiva system, there seems to be a deficiency in educating our children about the equal standing of other Roshei Yeshivas, Gedolei Torah, and their followers outside our circles. It is imperative to recognize that individuals from diverse affiliations within Judaism are not in any way inferior. For example, Roshei Yeshivos and Gedolei Torah of Modern Orthodox circles or, for that matter, any other sect should not be looked at as inferior to those of the Yeshivish or Chasidic circles. Every Jew, regardless of their religious orientation, remains our brother or sister, and our community should avoid conveying a sense of superiority. The disputes and differences of the 1950s are expired.
A recent example is the rally in Washington, DC. While the lineup of speakers and the program may not have aligned with the preferences of Yeshivish circles, it was, at its core, a unity rally, and every Jew should have participated. I include myself in this reflection, admitting that I did not attend. Respecting the guidance of Gedolei Torah is crucial, but there could have been a solution to facilitate participation for those more comfortable in a Yeshiva-centric environment.
Chabad, for instance, saw this rally as an opportunity to unite thousands in putting on tefillin, without imposing judgment on the event’s overall alignment with their hashkafa. Prominent Roshei Yeshivos and Gedolei Torah attended, recognizing the importance of looking beyond differences and acknowledging every Jew as part of the collective.
In Israel, a model of unity has been established, fostering palpable love between Chareidim and secular Jews. It is time to shed historical judgments and embrace each other, irrespective of the sect, attire, or Yeshiva affiliation. Past distinctions should no longer hinder our ability to view fellow Jews as equals.
It is incumbent upon Roshei Yeshivos and Gedolei Torah to impart these values to our children. Regardless of external markers, such as a yarmulke’s style or the color of a shirt, we must teach our youth to regard all Gedolim, Talmidei Chachamim, and fellow Jews, regardless of sect, as equals. Differing opinions are natural, but they should not alter the fundamental way we perceive and relate to one another.
Allow me to vent for a second. I can understand instructing those who sit and learn all day to stay put and learn rather than attend the rally because there’s nothing better than learning. However, discouraging others in the Yeshivish circles from going to the rally makes no sense! There has never been a kol koreh discouraging those in the Yeshivish circles from attending ECORE, ECAP, Amazon trade shows, and other conventions where the surroundings are significantly worse than the surroundings at the DC rally.
In conclusion, let us prioritize love over judgment, unity over division. Our responsibility is not to pass judgment but to embrace every Jew as we would ourselves. Together, let us foster a community where differences strengthen our collective spirit rather than drive us apart.