How to unite Charedim and anti-Charedim |
Exactly 160 years ago, on the 13th of the Jewish month Nisan, the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, known as the Tzemach Tzedek, passed away.
I remember reading that he once said, that the unity of Chassidim will sustain and lead them to Moshiach.
I’ve often noticed, that even when Chassidim debate and argue, sometimes passionately, there is still unity. There is still love and caring for one another.
The opposite of unity is not argument. The opposite of unity is hate.
I once heard that the famous Chosid Rabbi Shmuel Leviton once told a fierce opponent of Lubavitch, “The difference between you and us is, that we don’t hold from you, but we don’t hate you. But you hate us.”
What Jews need now, is a generous portion of love for one another.
Chabad has shown the way. A Chabadnik might disagree strongly with another Jew, but at the same time, exhibit love and caring.
Perhaps this reflects a deeper understanding of the Tzemach Tzedek’s words. The unity of Chassidim will lead them to Moshiach, because by manifesting unity and love, Chassidim will be role models, showing how it can be done. And when others are motivated to emulate their example, the unity and love will lead us all to Moshiach.