Let's Get Along, (yeh right!)
Tomorrow morning we’re going to read the following words in the Torah: "I will place peace in the land".
The story is told of two men who were making their way to the synagogue for prayers. As they arrived at the small shtiebl (little synagogue) to their dismay, they found the path to the door was muddy and waterlogged.
The first man, whose name was Shalom, reasoned "there is no sense in both of us getting dirty. One of us should climb on the other's shoulders, that way at least one of us will be clean."
His friend, Israel, readily agreed with this splendid idea.
Now only one problem remained: who would be the lucky one to go on top? They agreed that whoever could provide a hint or clue from a biblical verse would be the one to go on top.
"That's easy", said Shalom. "The Torah uses the phrase 'Shalom al Yisrael' which literally means 'Peace (in Hebrew: Shalom) upon Israel'. So I should go on your shoulders." Israel reluctantly complied and Shalom climbed up on his shoulders.
After a few steps, Israel suddenly threw Shalom to the ground and exclaimed: “But the Torah also says: "I will place Shalom / peace in the land / ground.
And so when they arrived at the synagogue, both of them were filthy and none the better for their cunning plan.
Often we find ourselves in the same position. Two sides, each trying to prove they are right, even using the Torah to back up their claims. One builds, the other destroys. In the end nobody wins and everybody gets soiled along the way.
This Sunday we will celebrate the powerful day of Lag B’omer. (CLICK HERE to learn more).
The Talmud (the vast compendium of Jewish knowledge) relates that during the weeks between the Jewish holidays of Passover and Shavuot, a terrible plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva, “because they did not act respectfully towards each other.” Most of his 24,000 students perished during this time period and these weeks are therefore observed as a period of mourning, with various joyous activities proscribed by law and custom.
On Lag B’omer, the 33rd day after Passover, the deaths ceased.
And so, the day of Lag B’omer carries with it the theme and underscores the importance of the mitzvah of Ahavat Yisrael – the genuine over that we are to have for each and every member of Israel.
Not withstanding our differences, we are all children in one family; all organs of one body. When even one small toenail is injured, the health of the entire body is compromised.
I know it’s easier said than done. We Jews aren’t always known for getting along and, like brothers and sisters, we can be at each others necks for most of our lives. But the day of Lag B’omer is a time to transcend our differences and connect on, perhaps, a deeper level.
Try it! May the energy of Lag B’omer allow us to successfully bring “peace in the land”!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Raleigh Resnick
