Although our regular column discusses subjects of kosher food certification and services which kosher agencies provide, at this time, no one can ignore the situation taking place in Israel, a subject that’s constantly on our minds. As our thoughts are with our brethren in Israel who are constantly finding themselves running into shelters and keeping out of danger, our regular article will not be about food but about the unity of Klal Yisrael.
When the Children of Israel left Egypt with the intent of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai, they were divided into 12 tribes under three hereditary categories. Each tribe had its own distinct flag and distinct responsibilities. There were the Kohanim/Priests, the Levi’im/Levites, and the Israelites, all charged with their own individual tasks. The beauty of Klal Yisrael, the Nation of Israel, is the fact that although no two people are the same, we all follow one Torah. We may look different, we may have different customs, and we may follow different edicts, but we all follow one God, one Leader – HaShem Elokainu HaShem Echad.
It is incumbent upon every single one of us to remember that we have to constantly work on strengthening our commitment to the One Above and continuously improve ourselves in our adherence to the Torah and its commandments. We must strive to do better and to be better individuals. We must strive to be honest, kind and understanding.
Although we feel deeply about the situation in Israel and are with our brethren in their time of trouble, it feels like there is little we can do for them in the tangible sense. We cannot visit those who are injured in war or those who have lost their loved ones in combat.
However, there is much we can do to make a difference. Wherever we are, we can visit the sick in nearby hospitals. We can comfort those in our own communities who are mourning their loved ones. We can look for ways to help a fellow Jew with loving kindness. We can take upon ourselves an additional mitzvah. We should be encouraging to our fellow man, speaking positively about each other, without berating anyone.
As individuals and also communally, we can start our mornings by saying Tehillim/Psalms and beseeching God to protect the Jews in Israel. We must not forget that while we are fortunate to live our lives without sirens and fear, they are constantly experiencing tragedy and loss.
Remember that just one mitzvah and the world is a changed place. Remember, that just one prayer on behalf of a fellow Jew and the world is a changed place. Remember that with unity among Klal Yisrael, the world is a much better place.