Before Tisha B'Av each year, we remind ourselves that the Churban (destruction of the Temple) was caused by sinat chinam (baseless hatred), and we resolve not to repeat that fault.
I have read numerous comments made by observant Jews - who love Eretz Yisroel deeply - who are distressed by the decision of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party to join the government. I understand their disappointment and pain. I respect their loyalty to the talmidei chachomim (Torah scholars) of the National Religious party (NRP) and the settler movement, and I can accept that many people feel that UTJ made a mistake.
I am shocked, though, by the strong words used by many people who are critical of the decision. How can they disgrace the talmidei chachomim leading UTJ so callously?
It was reported that a woman engulfed by the tsunami in Southeast Asia was holding her two sons, but could only save one of them. The poor woman had no choice but to let go of one, and hope that someone else would save him. UTJ was faced with a similar dilemma. Joining the coalition, they might be able to undo some of the terrible damage Shinui did to Torah institutions. They might be able to help numerous impoverished people, who literally don't have enough to eat. Yet, by joining they may facilitate the government in its terrible expulsion decree against our precious brothers and sisters, precious Torah Jews of the settler movement. What should they have done?
A very painful dilemma. Within the Chareidi world - much confusion, various opinions. A decision was made. Was it the right decision? Unfortunately, we do not have prophets to ask. Was the decision made with evil intent? Certainly not! What will the result be? We do not know.
Both of the aforementioned woman's sons survived. May all the precious ideals of the Torah camp survive these difficult times, as well.
The Chareidim felt that the NRP was wrong for joining the government in the first place; perhaps the present difficulties were precipitated by the NRP forming the initial coalition with Shinui. I hope that, even though Chareidim feel that NRP was wrong, they will maintain a respectful attitude towards the Torah leaders of the NRP. My rabbis taught me that we must not allow our ideological disagreements with the leadership of the national-religious camp to sink to the level of personal attacks and disrespect. (Sadly, I cannot claim that Chareidim have never been guilty of ignoring these teachings.)
It took the NRP a long time to decide to leave the government. Some ministers decided to leave before others did. It was not a simple decision. Many in the religious Zionist camp felt that the NRP was too slow in leaving. Obviously, we are dealing with very difficult and painful issues, which cannot be easily resolved.
Unanimous agreement is not necessary, but respect and brotherly love are.
Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) declares that the curse visited on the Jewish people will be so great that it will eventually descend to the point that the Torah leadership will be disgraced by the people. Woe onto us that this has befallen us.
I appeal to the rabbinical leadership of the religious Zionists, and the spokesmen and women of all observant Jewry: please speak out on behalf of respectful disagreements, and for an immediate end to personal attacks. May our self-restraint bring sholom (peace) on Israel and the coming of Mashiach, speedily in our days.
I have read numerous comments made by observant Jews - who love Eretz Yisroel deeply - who are distressed by the decision of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party to join the government. I understand their disappointment and pain. I respect their loyalty to the talmidei chachomim (Torah scholars) of the National Religious party (NRP) and the settler movement, and I can accept that many people feel that UTJ made a mistake.
I am shocked, though, by the strong words used by many people who are critical of the decision. How can they disgrace the talmidei chachomim leading UTJ so callously?
It was reported that a woman engulfed by the tsunami in Southeast Asia was holding her two sons, but could only save one of them. The poor woman had no choice but to let go of one, and hope that someone else would save him. UTJ was faced with a similar dilemma. Joining the coalition, they might be able to undo some of the terrible damage Shinui did to Torah institutions. They might be able to help numerous impoverished people, who literally don't have enough to eat. Yet, by joining they may facilitate the government in its terrible expulsion decree against our precious brothers and sisters, precious Torah Jews of the settler movement. What should they have done?
A very painful dilemma. Within the Chareidi world - much confusion, various opinions. A decision was made. Was it the right decision? Unfortunately, we do not have prophets to ask. Was the decision made with evil intent? Certainly not! What will the result be? We do not know.
Both of the aforementioned woman's sons survived. May all the precious ideals of the Torah camp survive these difficult times, as well.
The Chareidim felt that the NRP was wrong for joining the government in the first place; perhaps the present difficulties were precipitated by the NRP forming the initial coalition with Shinui. I hope that, even though Chareidim feel that NRP was wrong, they will maintain a respectful attitude towards the Torah leaders of the NRP. My rabbis taught me that we must not allow our ideological disagreements with the leadership of the national-religious camp to sink to the level of personal attacks and disrespect. (Sadly, I cannot claim that Chareidim have never been guilty of ignoring these teachings.)
It took the NRP a long time to decide to leave the government. Some ministers decided to leave before others did. It was not a simple decision. Many in the religious Zionist camp felt that the NRP was too slow in leaving. Obviously, we are dealing with very difficult and painful issues, which cannot be easily resolved.
Unanimous agreement is not necessary, but respect and brotherly love are.
Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) declares that the curse visited on the Jewish people will be so great that it will eventually descend to the point that the Torah leadership will be disgraced by the people. Woe onto us that this has befallen us.
I appeal to the rabbinical leadership of the religious Zionists, and the spokesmen and women of all observant Jewry: please speak out on behalf of respectful disagreements, and for an immediate end to personal attacks. May our self-restraint bring sholom (peace) on Israel and the coming of Mashiach, speedily in our days.